Most of us remember when a whole team was wiped out in an airline disaster. I've never seen an American NFL's team plane go down in flames, but I got a thrill of fear thinking of all the planned international flights to Europe, South America, Japan and China that are proposed.

What if a Rams' team flight went down and everyone was lost?

Besides the tragedy and heartbreak over the disaster, how would the NFL deal with that? Would they treat the Rams like an expansion team, requiring the other 31 teams to give up a player from their squad and the rest of the team filled by UDFA's (during season)?

How would that work, do you think?

Not to say this should be the first round pick or even something that must get addressed on day 2 in the draft - but what position group do you think is the single biggest need going into this draft?

I’m limited by number of responses in the poll so feel free to explain

I get a lot of ads popping up for Rams gear. A lot of it is cool. Some is awful.

What is the butt fugliest Rams item you’ve seen?

I’ll start with this…the running pee stain variant shirt:


Got something worse?

someone who will last until middle rounds perhaps

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Our bearded Adonis is starting to get the endorsement money!

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Newton is the closest defensive tackle prospect I've seen that compares to AD - and I've looked at Ed Oliver, Quinnen Williams, Byron Murphy, and Kobie Turner. And he played all of 2023 on an injured foot.

Quite simply, he is a wonder to watch. It's not just an extremely quick first step. It's not just surprising strength from a short, squatty frame. It's his technical prowess; his hands are powerful, heavy, and precise, and he has counters upon counters.

I will be ecstastic if he's our pick at #19. If we manage to trade down a bit, get a pick, and still get him, I'll be over the fucking moon.

As you watch this it kind of shows you why they emphasized the OL in FA and now maybe in the draft as well.

Simply put, keeping him healthy is absolutely the #1 priority for this organization. Just look at the issues he dealt with last yr, and not just keeping him healthy, but also happy with him not taking a lot of big hits is key.

This team is night & day if he plays or doesn't play...and if he is near 100% healthy, they are just a much better team, even with last yrs leaky defense.

All right, I'm posting the next mock draft (given that we've made a couple of moves like Tre'Davious White).

TRADES:

2024 first round pick (#19 overall) to the Dallas Cowboys for 2024 first round pick (#24 overall) and 2024 second round pick (#56 overall).

(Dallas trades up for Amarius Mims after Fautanu goes before us. We get to move down a bit and get a second.)

2024 second round pick (#56 overall) to the Washington Comm Anders for 2024 third round pick (#67) and 2024 third round pick (#100).

(Washington moves up for a falling edge rusher (thinking Booker. Yeah, I'm saying it because I don't want a Kansas player, and because we got our edge early.). We get a couple of thirds.)

Chatarius Atwell to the Baltimore Ravens for 2024 sixth round pick (#218 overall).

(Ravens don't have much at receiver. Zay Flowers is the only real threat. Atwell gives Lamar another younger option.)

Derion Kendrick to the Denver Broncos for conditional 2026 seventh (becomes a sixth if Kendrick plays more than 75% of the snaps).

(If the Broncos deal Surtain, they'll need a corner. We give them a cheaper one, and get rid of Kendrick once and for all.)

Ben Skowronek to the Kansas City Chiefs for 2026 conditional seventh (passes if Skowronek gets 50% of the snaps).

(K.C. could definitely use another veteran receiver with their corps in shambles. Skowronek will give them that.)

DRAFT:

#24 overall (Cowboys) - Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois. (6'2", 304 lbs.)

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(Newton is the crown jewel of defensive linemen in this class, and I think that if we can get him even at nineteen, it would be an automatic win. Being able to get a second-round pick is a huge bonus because out of all of the linemen I've seen, I think Newton comes closest to AD. His explosive first step, his power, his technical prowess, his violent hands, all of that makes him a very dangerous lineman - and he was playing through a serious foot injury this year. You place him next to The Conductor, and he could be one of the more dominant linemen in the NFL.)

#52 overall (Rams) - Edgerrin Cooper, ILB/EDGE, Texas A&M. (6'2", 230 lbs.)

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(I'm hopping on the bandwagon. I'm praying we re-sign Ernest Jones, but if we don't, we have his replacement in hand, and if we do re-sign Jones, Cooper could be a solid edge on the opposite side of Agent Zero. He reminds me of a mix of Nick Bolton, Fred Warner, and a lesser Micah Parsons, all in one. Just an incredibly instinctive player who can literally do it all.)

#67 (Washington) - Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington. (6'1", 203 lbs.)

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(Our new big play receiver, Polk actually had even more big plays than Rome Odunze. He is physical, has solid hands and leaping ability for all kinds of focused and contested catches, and plays much faster than his forty time indicates. He isn't the best route runner, but he's good enough to sell them. Reminds me a bit of a better Tyler Johnson, actually.)

#83 overall (Rams) - Jalen McMillan, WR/PR, Washington. (6'1", 197 lbs.)

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(Yep, I'm double-dipping on Washington receivers, but McMillan is different enough from Polk (reminds me a bit of Kupp, actually) that it would be foolish not to (especially since Nacua played at Washington and would know McMillan from his time there). He's a punt returner as well, so that could definitely help us.)

#99 overall (Morris comp pick) - Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri. (5'11", 179 lbs.)

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(Abrams-Draine is my main prospect crush. No offense meant to Cobie Durant, whom I also love, but if I had a choice between him and KAD, I'd pick KAD every time. He's a ballhawk, a dominant cover corner, and plays well above his size.)

#100 overall (Washington) - Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah. (6'2", 248 lbs.)

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(Elliss is an absolutely dominant pass-rusher; he utterly abused UCLA's tackles with a spin move that's amongst the best I've seen, he's bendy, he has all sorts of counters. Sadly, he lacks the ability to set the edge. He's got potential as a pass-rusher, but he better learn how to defend the run if he ever wants to be a starter.)

#153 overall (Rams) - Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy. (6'1", 246 lbs.)

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(Solomon may be short and plays for a smaller school, but he still racked up an impressive amount of statistics. He has surprising athletic traits for his size and lack of length; reminds me a bit of Dumervil or Houston. He could be a steal here.)

#154 overall (Steelers) - Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian. (6'4", 252 lbs.)

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(Hunt's extremely raw, but his traits make him absolutely worth the slot here. A former safety that outgrew the position, who still retains safety-like traits in coverage, Hunt is bendy with long arms, a quick first step, and surprising power. Definitely worth a flier.)

#195 overall (Broncos) - Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State. (6'0", 218 lbs.)

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(Power is the name of Davis's game. He will run you over and let you know he did it. He needs to learn a bit of finesse and hit the hole when he sees it, but when you need to grind out yards, you're not going to find much better.)

#209 overall (comp) - M.J. Devonshire, CB/STAR, Pittsburgh. (5'11", 186 lbs.)

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(Devonshire is a lengthy (6'6" wingspan) corner who racked up a lot of passes defensed and has remarkable athletic traits that few corners have. He struggles mightily against the run, but could end up as a dominant cover corner.)

#213 overall (comp) - Chau Smith-Wade, CB/SAF, Washington State. (5'10", 184 lbs.)

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(CSW is a very good defensive back on a very bad team. Washington - with all of their talent - wouldn't throw his way, and when Penix did, he often came out the winner. He's a smaller corner who needs to improve run defense technique, but at least has the willingness to help tackle. Just an underrated corner who reminds me of Asante Samuel Jr.)

#217 overall (comp) - Khristian Boyd, NT, Northern Iowa. (6'2", 329 lbs.)

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(Boyd just cranked out 38 reps on the bench at his Pro Day but didn't test athletically because of an injury. He's a short, squatty interior defender who turned twenty-four in February. He was dominant at Northern Iowa, but he lacks length and doesn't always play to his strength in the weight room. Some may think he lacks upside because of his age and lack of production against the FCS. I disagree, but I still think that he's going to fall for those reasons. He could be a find this late.)

#218 overall (Ravens) - Rasheen Ali, RB/KR, Marshall (5'11", 206 lbs.)

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(Ali had a freshman season for the ages, didn't play his sophomore year, and had a bounce-back junior year. Could be a solid running back and kick returner, now that the rules are different for kickoffs.)

#254 overall (comp) - Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas. (6'1", 205 lbs.)

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(Whittington has turned into my wide receiver prospect crush, and I'm just praying he's here for the taking. Not fast at all and didn't have a lot of production, but he reminds me of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Puka Nacua with his playing style.)

Roster (bold/starter; italics/rookie:

QB: Matt Stafford, Stetson Bennett (until Garappolo comes back), Jimmy Garappolo (SUSP)

(Pretty obvious here. I'm hoping for the best for Bennett...but I'm not expecting much. Stafford is your starter, Garoppolo hopefully sees the field on Week 18.)

RB: Kyren Williams, Isaiah Davis, Rasheen Ali (KR), Zach Evans.

(Well, we have our three-headed Hydra in K-Will, Davis, and Ali. Evans might start out with the backup job, but I don't expect much out of him; I fully expect Davis or Ali to take it from him.)

TE: Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Tyler Higbee (PUP).

(When/if Higbee comes back, I could see us cutting Zach Evans. But I hope that Parkinson or Allen takes the job by force. No offense meant to Higbeast, but he's getting older, and he's always been a bit injury prone.)

WR: Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jaylen McMillan (PR), Jordan Whittington.

(Kupp, Nacua, Robinson, with a healthy dosage of Johnson, Polk, McMillan, and Whittington as your backups. No need to overthink it. Robinson and Johnson are only signed for a year, Kupp's production is worrisome, and Nacua has had injury issues in the past.)

OL: Alaric Jackson, Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, Warren McClendon, Zachary Thomas (OC), Logan Bruss.

(Our O-line is going to absolutely eat. Avila at center will make us completely forget about Creed. Noteboom is your swing tackle for this year, while McClendon learns from the best in Havenstein. I still have faith in Bruss, and I think Thomas could make an outstanding backup center. We'll probably draft a tackle next year when A-Jax leaves.)

DL: Kobie Turner, Jer'Zhan Newton, Bobby Brown III, Desjuan Johnson, Khristian Boyd.

(I admit, it's a little thin, and it makes me nervous, but I can see Boyd emerging in the future, and a front two of Turner and Newton sounds awesome, right? And then there's BB3, D-John, and Boyd. Should be an interesting, albeit young, group but I'd love to draft Dontay Corleone (NT, Cincinnati) next year, just to replace BB3.)

LB: Ernest Jones, Edgerrin Cooper, Byron Young, Michael Hoecht (DL), Nick Hampton, Jonah Elliss, Javon Solomon, Jalyx Hunt, Christian Rozeboom, Jake Hummel.

(Imagine this beast of a linebacking corps. Jones and Cooper end up starting in the middle, Agent Zero gets the while Hoecht can move between the D-line and help outside. Then you have Elliss, Solomon, Hampton, and Hunt as your potential rotation. Rozeboom and Hummel are your backups and special teams aces.)

DB: Tre'Davious White, Darious Williams, Kamren Curl, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Cobie Durant, Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Kris Abrams-Draine, M.J. Devonshire, Chau Smith-Wade, Jason Taylor II.

(Lots of cornerbacks. I don't expect much from White, and D-Will is over thirty. Durant and THT get the first shot outside, while KAD, CSW, and MJD learn from the best while starting on teams. Curl, Yeast, and Lake start, given that Curl will likely be deployed at STAR. JT2 is mainly a special teams player, but he's good at it.)

ST: Jake Bates (Free agent signing!), Ethan Evans, Alex Ward.

(Yep, I'm predicting that we sign Bates after the UFL season is done. If not, Tanner Brown has enough potential to make me take notice. Otherwise, not much has changed.)

-

Feel free to rip me a new one on this.

I really enjoyed his playing, R.I.P.

Young - DeJuan - Bobby Brown - Turner - Hoecht
Hampton - XXXXXX - Murchinson - Durden - Mathis

Kier Thomas

I just want people to get a bit of a visual of what we're looking at and what we might expect from this draft. Sadly, it's not a great draft for OLB or Dline but we need help and we need a lot. Once we get past day 2, I don't think there's much if anything to be had on the Dline in this draft and there's nothing really after the top of the 2nd round at OLB.

Currently we're not even two deep on the Dline given the big XXXX spot of the depth chart at DE, additionally, Brown has just the year left on his contract and while he improved dramatically, still needs to work on consistency. No clue who Durden is.

I don't think it's unreasonable to think the Rams need to come away with at least one OLB, one DE and one DT in this draft. That's why I'm bearish on some position groups in this draft unless the value is really exceptional. I don't see us drafting a ILB any time soon, maybe a depth guy late in the draft. I could see us grabbing a WR if the value is there because it's so exceptional early but don't see us grabbing a RB till late.

I expect 2 of our picks in the top 100 will come at OLB, DE or DT.

Since my previous post, I've expanded my board from 50 to 70 players, eliminated 1 (T'Vondre Sweat) for off-field reasons, and added one to replace him (Bralen Trice). I'm reposting this for use (even if you don't agree with my rankings) as a draft tracker. Note that this is a list I created for the Rams, so there are some players that will go in the Top 70 (interior OL, for example) who are not on this list.

I'll refer to this on draft weekend as the picks are made. I'm hoping that we end up with at least 3 of the guys on this list.

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Joe Alt, LT, Notre Dame
3. Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State
4. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
5. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
6. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
7. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
8. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
9. Laita Latu, EDGE, UCLA
10. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
11. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, LT, Penn State
12. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
13. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
14. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
15. Byron Murphy, II, DT, Texas
16. Brian Thomas, Jr., WR, LSU
17. Jer’zahn Newton, DT, Illinois
18. Troy Fautanu, LT, Washington
19. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
20. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
21. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
22. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
23. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
24. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
25. Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
26. AD Mitchell, WR, Texas
27. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
28. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
29. Taliese Fuaga, RT, Oregon State
30. J.C. Latham, RT, Alabama
31. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
32. Ennis Rakestraw, Jr., CB, Missouri
33. Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona
34. Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
35. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
36. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
37. Tre Benson, RB, Florida State
38. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
39. Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
40. Ruke Orhohoro, DT, Clemson
41. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
42. Jonah Ellis, EDGE, Utah
43. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
44. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
45. Michael Hall, Jr., DT, Ohio State
46. Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas
47. Jaylan Wright, RB, Tennessee
48. Keon Coleman, WR, FSU
49. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
50. Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
51. Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
52. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
53. Maason Smith, DT, LSU
54. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
55. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
56. Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
57. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
58. Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
59. Kinglsey Suamataia, OT, BYU
60. D.J. James, CB, Auburn
61. Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
62. Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
63. Javon Baker, WR, UCF
64. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
65. Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
66. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
67. Brenden Rice, WR, USC
68. Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
69. Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
70. Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

Von Miller


Chop Robinson

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Peter Schrager mentioned a standard for present day HOFer QB as being 60,000 plus yards and 400 TD's in a career. Looking at the top 11 passers in NFL history, makes that standard very accurate. Stafford is 3,953 yards away and 43 points away from 400. I think there would have to be a career ending injury for him to fall short. He has also won a Super Bowl, after which MANY talking heads said he was HOF worthy. I think that besides just the transcendent numbers, Matthew Freakin Stafford has The Story, like Kurt Warner had The Story. Kurt's story was even more improbable than Stafford's, but Matthew's Story is still pretty incredible:
1. Number 1 Draft Pick for the Detroit Lions. Four winning seasons out of eleven and never won a SINGLE playoff game.
2. Stat Padford was his diminishing sobriquet (look it up, @Allen2McVay !). His team seemed to be always behind, before trying to come back. The Lions being who they were, lost more than they won.
3. Many mocked the Rams for getting fleeced by Detroit in the trade.
4. The Rams HAD to win for them not to be the laughingstock of the NFL and they had to do it with a guy who had never won anything when it really mattered.
5. After winning the NFC West in 2021, the Rams had to beat the Cardinals, the Buccaneers, the Niners and the Bengals to win the Super Bowl. Stafford was clutch as H double hockey sticks. He answered the lingering question as to who he really was and is.

I've been trying to come up with a formula. I think the stats are important (probably the most important). Winning Super Bowls are also critical for most candidates. The Story is big as well and if a candidate doesn't have one, he might not make it. Misc stuff as well, like MVP of the NFL.
Stats = 60%
Super Bowl Wins = 15% each
The Story = 15%
Misc. = 10%

What do you think of this?

Conventional wisdom says that the Rams should, and likely will, use its top choice, and likely (at least) three of its four Top 100 choices, to bolster its young defense.

Of course, it doesn't matter what conventional wisdom says... it only matters what Sean and Les say. And maybe what they'll say with their choices is that the primary goal is to make offense an "unstoppable force."

It’s already looking pretty darn good. Last year, the Rams' offense was in the top 11 in yards/game (7th), passing yards/game (10th), rushing yards/game (11th) and points/game (8th). Add to that an OL that will likely be improved with Steve Avila taking over at center and Jonah Jackson sliding in at LG, rising players Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams (and, perhaps, Davis Allen) benefiting from experience, a new weapon in Colby Parkinson, and (hopefully) a fully healthy Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. The offense is already pretty loaded.

So... what if the Rams load it more? What if they see an opportunity (even if a trade-up is needed) to upgrade at LT, or add a WR3 who would dominate opposing DBs? What if Brock Bowers drops and the Rams add his skill set to an already formidable receiving corps? What if the Rams don't rest on their laurels at RB and look to add a top guy on Day 2 to create an all-star tandem?

"They're neglecting the defense!" some will exclaim... but maybe there's a twist on the age-old maxim...

Maybe an unstoppable offensive force can cover for a somewhat movable defensive object?

Conventional wisdom, of course, says... NO! Defense wins Championships!

But what do Les and Sean say?

Ranking Les Snead's 6 best draft picks as GM of the Rams​

​

Brock Vierra

April 17, 2024 4:57 am PT




Malik Washington | NFL Draft 2024



Job security for general managers in the NFL is virtually nonexistent. The job is cutthroat, high-pressure and built off of a person’s ability to predict the future. As many executives around the NFL aim to acquire such a position, many owners are quick to pull the plug on their team builders so long tenures are not a common thing for such a job.
However, Les Snead will be participating in his 13th NFL draft as a general manager, a height many aspire to reach but one too great for most. Snead’s tenure with the Rams has been a rollercoaster, featuring many successes and many failures.
He’s navigated multiple roster reconstructions, a relocation and retirements on his way to a Super Bowl title.
Here are Snead’s six best draft picks since he joined the Rams in 2012.

1. DT Aaron Donald, 13th overall (2014)​

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For a franchise known for great defensive linemen like Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones, Aaron Donald is in a class of his own. Arguably the greatest Ram in history, he not only put fear in opposing offenses but also a ring on his teammates’ fingers through clutch performances against the 49ers and Bengals during the team’s Super Bowl run.
The future Hall of Famer has a long list of accolades, including three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards – tied with J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor for the most all-time.

2. WR Cooper Kupp, 69th overall (2017)​

Joe Rondone-Arizona Republic
Hailing from Eastern Washington, Kupp wasted no time introducing himself to the league. Marked as the best pass catcher in the 2017 NFL draft by former Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith, Kupp has hauled in 567 catches in his career for over 7000 yards.
Kupp won the 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year award behind his league-leading 145 catches, 1947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Kupp would proceed to break the NFL record for catches during a playoff run that year en route to a Super Bowl victory – a victory ensured by Kupp’s game-winning touchdown catch. Kupp would also be named Super Bowl MVP.

3. RB Todd Gurley, 10th overall (2015)​

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
There was a time in which there was a genuine discussion of whether Todd Gurley would break Emmitt Smith’s rushing record. Todd Gurley rushed for over 5,400 yards in five years with the Rams. Despite an injury-riddled career, Gurley constantly defined what it meant to be a true team player.
Taking a knee before scoring a touchdown on multiple occasions to ensure a Rams victory, Gurley’s play was as selfless as it was electric. The man was a certified baller whose stardom was extinguished before it even hit its peak.

4. WR Puka Nacua, 177th overall (2023)​

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The star coming out of BYU currently owns the NFL records for most catches and receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history. One of the primary reasons the Rams made a surprising run to the playoffs, the Rams haven’t seen such production from a rookie since Torrey Holt – production made even more impressive by the fact that Cooper Kupp was injured to start the year.
If Nacua continues on his historic run, we are talking about perhaps one of the most prolific careers in NFL history. Yet another potential gold jacket selection by Snead.

5. RT Rob Havenstein, 57th overall (2015)​

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The true anchor of the Rams’ offensive line, Rob Havenstein has been neutralizing the NFL’s best pass rushers for nine years. Entering Year 10, the always-consistent Havenstein continues to contribute even though he rarely gets the shine he deserves.
He’s started in every one of the 130 games he’s played for the franchise, winning two NFC championships and a Super Bowl in the process. The last St. Louis Ram on the roster, Havenstein has been a pillar of the Rams and Snead’s success.

6. QB Jared Goff, 1st overall (2016)​

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Snead’s most courageous draft pick comes out of the University of California. To acquire the No. 1 pick, Snead traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and Day 3 compensation for Goff and in Goff’s first full season as a starter, the gamble paid off.
During his time in Los Angeles, Goff won two NFC West titles, an NFC championship and made the playoffs in three of the four years he was primary starter. Goff never had a losing season while averaging over 4,000 passing yards per season. Even during his exit, he was traded for Matthew Stafford and while Stafford won a ring with the Rams, Goff has broken another playoff win drought in Detroit.

Sitting around the offseason waiting for the draft, I stumbled across a clip of the Ricky Proehl touchdown catch in the 1999 NFC Championship, to seal the Rams trip to the Super Bowl (clip below).

Watching this clip reminded my of what a spectacular play and catch occurred in this game. I then got thinking, could I recall a more "important" play in Rams history, and I cannot come up with one present or past. This catch got the Rams into the game that got them the first Super Bowl championship. Without this catch, no Super Bowl, no Bruce catch, no "Tackle" and no Super Bowl win.

Do any of you guys want to chime in and make a case for any other play in Rams history that was more important than this one? Not necessarily going for the most spectacular play, although this one has its worth in that category, but one that sticks out as the most important play, and without it would drastically change Rams history.

If you don't want to chime in, then you can suck it! (Just kidding!)

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We did this pre-Combine and the top vote getters were Cooper DeJean (22.5%), Laitu Latu (21.3%) and TRADE (16.3).

Let’s see if opinions have changed.

The Los Angeles Rams may be looking to draft Matthew Stafford's successor later this month.

• JONATHAN ALFANO
• APR 14, 2024

In this story:​

LOS ANGELES RAMS

MATTHEW STAFFORD

Matthew Stafford still has some gas left in the tank, but with him being 36 and dealing with multiple injuries over the past few years, the Los Angeles Rams may look to find a successor sooner rather than later.
The NFL Draft, which is now less than two weeks away, may be the perrfect time to find such a successor. This class is loaded with quarterback talent, and the Rams have clearly taken note



Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with quarterback
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
According to Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal, the Rams are one of several teams looking at taking a quarterback, and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy has particularly caught their interest.
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"As for McCarthy, he helped himself more by not being here than he probably would have had he shown up. The Michigan National Championship-winning quarterback passed on the chance to show out in Mobile and, with the other two big names scuffling, may have solidified a spot at the top of tier 2, QB-wise," Giardi writes. "Where will that land him? Atlanta (8), Minnesota (11), Las Vegas (13), Seattle (16), LA Rams (19), Pittsburgh (20), and Tampa Bay (26) have all been sniffing around signal callers in this draft, in addition to the top 3 teams."

This isn't the first time the Rams have reportedly had interest in quarterbacks this offseason. In addition to the draft buzz, they were also linked to several other backup quarterbacks before ultimately landing on Jimmy Garoppolo. The most prevalent rumor linked them to Sam Howell, but the Seattle Seahawks reportedly outbid them.

L.A. definitely has more pressing needs to address, but drafting a potential successor to Stafford is not out of the realm of possibility,

(Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Continuity and longevity are luxuries in the National Football League, which commonly is referred to as “not for long”. Even one misstep can be the undoing for a front office or coaching staff, and often times we see individuals dismissed before their vision has a chance to fully unfold.
It’s important this time of year to analyze the top general manager and head coach combos around the NFL as we assess free agent signings and look forward toward the NFL Draft. Which franchises have unique pairings running their organization that help prime their teams for success?
Let’s take a look at the best HC-GM combos across the league:

1 - Brett Veach & Andy Reid; Kansas City Chiefs​

You can’t dispute back-to-back Super Bowls and three wins in four years. Veach and Reid perfectly executed the transition from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes, which allowed their team to move forward from perennial playoff berth to perennial AFC contender. KC took home the world championship in 2023 even though their roster arguably took a step back overall.

2 - Les Snead & Sean McVay; Los Angeles Rams​

While the Rams can be up and down at times, McVay and Sean have led the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in their seven seasons together. LA surprised and made the playoffs amidst their 2023 rebuild, and they’ve aggressively added veterans this offseason ahead of the draft where they are slotted to make 11 picks. Can the Rams keep their arrow pointed upwards in 2024?

3 - John Lynch & Kyle Shanahan; San Francisco 49ers​

While the 49ers’ pairing doesn’t yet have championships to their names, they still have a wealth of success and have knocked on the door nearly every year their starting quarterback has remained healthy. Lynch and Shanahan deserve a heap of credit for not only identifying Brock Purdy, but putting him in a position to start over former top pick Trey Lance and eventually leading the team to two straight NFC Championship games. How long can San Francisco keep this ride going?

4 - Kwesi Adofo-Mensah & Kevin O’Connell; Minnesota Vikings​

While there are significant questions at quarterback for Minnesota, it’s clear that the Vikings are taking a measured and data-driven approach to their team build. O’Connell showed maybe too much ability to adapt his offense to reserve QB’ after Kirk Cousin tore his Achilles last year, and now he’ll likely be tasked with grooming a rookie. The rest of the Vikings roster is ready to compete, so if the team plugs in the right signal caller Minnesota could be frisky.

5 - Andrew Berry & Kevin Stefanski; Cleveland Browns​

There may be no better roster from top to bottom in today’s NFL than the Browns, and Berry certainly deserves credit for that. Stefanski now must get the most out of Deshaun Watson and string together a postseason run to get the most out of a roster that’s ready to win.

6 - Brad Holmes & Dan Campbell; Detroit Lions​

Holmes and Campbell have taken the Lions from bottom dweller to amongst the most exciting to watch in all of football. The Lions are an intriguing underdog story with Jared Goff under center amidst his redemption arc, and they’re out to win a championship for the city of Detroit.

7 - Chris Ballard & Shane Steichen; Indianapolis Colts​

It may be early to include this pairing so high on the list, but I’m encouraged by what Steichen was able to accomplish with Gardner Minshew at quarterback a year ago. Anthony Richardson showed incredible flashes in his short rookie season, though if he remains healthy the Colts are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC South.

8 - Brian Gutekunst & Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers​

The book is still out on Jordan Love, though if he continues to ascend the Packers could be a tough out for years to come. While Green Bay continually gets value out of lower round draft picks—especially at receiver—it’s fair to wonder if they are missing the impact of truly blue chip players and prospects.

9 - Eric DeCosta & John Harbaugh; Baltimore Ravens​

You can argue Baltimore’s duo should be higher on this list. Being in the upper third is still a compliment, though I think this is fair until the Ravens show us they can win in the postseason with Lamar Jackson at quarterback.

10 - Nick Caserio & DeMeco Ryans; Houston Texans​

Caserio took a measured approach to the Texans’ roster until they were able to move on from Watson. But now Houston’s window of contention has been pried open with CJ Stroud’s rookie contract, and they’re looking to maximize their opportunity by loading up on weapons such as Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs.

Other notes:​

No, I did not include Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills. Beane, of course, has recently grown infamous for his comments suggesting that he’d prefer to avoid a Rams-like collapse. Instead, the Bills spent the offseason shedding costly veterans and trading away one of their best individual players in Stefon Diggs. If the mission was to build a sustainable future, Beane and Buffalo failed. They’ll need to get creative and build a new iteration of the Bills in order to find success moving forward.
Also, one of the biggest departures in the NFL this offseason was that of Pete Carroll. Carroll and John Schneider would have been shoo-ins for the top ten HC-GM pairings, but without Carroll Schneider will have much to prove. Can he build a ready to win roster with a new head coach?

Where Are They Now? Former Rams RB Robert Delpino

Former Rams running back Robert Delpino on his greatest moments in Horns and how he is now helping guide young individuals on a path to success.

www.therams.com

Where Are They Now? Former Rams RB Robert Delpino​

Apr 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Jim Gehman

Much like a Boy Scout, an NFL prospect would be well served to be prepared. One never knows when you can go from leisurely eating a sandwich to showcasing your gridiron talent a few minutes later.
Ask Robert Delpino.
"I was having lunch in the student union's athletes dining area, and Russ Ball, the strength and conditioning coach, approached me and said, 'Hey, Robert, I need to talk to you in my office.' And I'm thinking it had to be something academic-related because it was after the football season," Delpino said.
"So I walk into the office and there's John Robinson and Lawrence McCutcheon of the L.A. Rams, and they said, 'We're interested in drafting you, but we would just like to work you out first.' I'm thinking well, I'll have time (to get ready for it). And they're like, 'Now.' So I got dressed, we went down to the stadium, and they worked me out. Talking about needing to be ready at the right moment."
The University of Missouri running back was fortunate enough to be ready and impressive enough to be selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the 1988 Draft. "Oh, it was phenomenal," Delpino said. "It was amazing. I was elated."
He was also not alone. Los Angeles chose another running back, UCLA's Gaston Green, in the first round.
"I wasn't too surprised or concerned. I kind of had an idea what they were doing," Delpino said. "By the time I arrived (at the team's facilities) in Anaheim, I realized that the whole hoopla was around Eric Dickerson's departure (via a trade to Indianapolis). There was still a lot of media surrounding that. Who's going to replace Eric Dickerson?

"I had no idea what the politics were going on with that because I really didn't realize who they drafted or what the roster was until I got to training camp. I never kept track of that stuff. I just played ball and went to class."
The Rams' Rookie of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year in 1988, Delpino helped Los Angeles post an 11-5 record the following season and make it to the NFC Championship Game. Although San Francisco won that afternoon, he called it, team-wise, the biggest year of his life.
And two seasons later, even though they finished with a dismal 3-13 record, he had "a blast" after becoming the full-time starter and rushing for a career-high 688 yards and nine touchdowns, to go along with a career-high 55 receptions for 617 yards and a touchdown.

"Of course, it's not fun losing, but that was the most fun I ever had playing football. I was voted the Most Valuable Player that year. I was happy as all get out. We went to New York to play the Giants (in Week 2) after they won the Super Bowl, and beat them (19-13)," said Delpino, who had a game-high 27 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown.
With Los Angeles for five of his six seasons in the NFL, finishing up with Denver in 1993, Delpino has almost countless fond memories from his time as a Ram. From on-the-field successes such as the 19 times he found the end zone, to the time when the alarm clock didn't go off following a preseason game in West Berlin that left him a little lighter in the wallet.
"John Robinson left Fred Strickland and I in Germany after we woke up late and missed the plane," Delpino laughed. "We had to take a separate flight home. The Rams, their plane had slight problems and had to land, I believe in New York. And then we actually arrived back to L.A. before they arrived. That was fun. We still got fined, though.

"But my fondest memories I'd have to say was the overall camaraderie with my teammates and the interactions with the coaches. And I'm most proud of receiving the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award. After Carl had passed away (in 1990 due to a car accident), they started an award for him, and I was the first recipient. That means the most to me because he was such an honorable man. I didn't know him that well, personally, but as far as his work ethic and his spirit toward the game of football, that award means a lot to me."
Something else which means a lot to Delpino is the career field he chose after football – social work – and the reason why he did so.

"Growing up in Kansas, my mom raised eight of us, and there was always someone there to help us out. I learned later that that person was called a social worker," Delpino said. "I wanted to give back. I wanted to be that person to be there for those kids. So I started my degree in social work at Missouri and then I got drafted, finished my career, went on to finish my degree at La Sierra University, and got a bachelor's in social work."

After working with abused and neglected children for 16 years, Delpino made the decision to go back to school and earn a master's degree in counseling psychology from California Baptist University. With sheepskin in hand, he accepted a job in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District in Ontario, CA, 14 years ago, where he's a licensed marriage and family therapist.

"I just enjoy what I do. I enjoy the interaction. But what I enjoy most is watching the children grow and blossom like a flower," Delpino said. "They realize that they do have a disability and they'll probably have it the rest of their life. What are we going to do about it? Let's get to work! And that's what they do. It's wonderful seeing their growth and their blossoming, so to speak, in preparation for their young adulthood.
"It takes me back to my childhood, that feeling like someone truly cares. They chose the profession to help children. That made me feel so good. It made me feel so worthy that there are people like that to help us out. And now to be able to kind of be that person in my profession, the best way to describe it is it's fulfilling. I'm achieving a goal of mine that I worked for my entire life. And being able to add to the young minds of our future, there's no greater feeling."

Making his home in Banning, Delpino's girlfriend, Sherene Roth, also works in special education for the Corona-Norco Unified School District.
He has two adult children: Darionne, who earned her master's from Cal Baptist University and is a licensed marriage and family therapist like her dad. And Robert Jr., who studied at San Diego State and is an events production assistant at a small independent agency in Los Angeles, as well as a musician.
And what's the best thing about being Robert Delpino today?
"Realizing that all of my hard work, despite whatever goal I have set, I've been able to achieve that through the grace of God in my higher power," he said. "And just knowing that the work ethic that my mom instilled in all of her eight children, she was true to her word. She passed away, and just to be able to make her proud, and to be a part of my children's life, watch them grow and basically establish that same work ethic that my mom passed down to me."

I realize Big Rob will be cut any day now but he's imparting some wisdom to us here.

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Also Big Whit loves it

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