This is not a thread about Goff at the #1 pick. It is about are you rooting for him to win the Super Bowl?
Personally I was a Wentz guy and learned to root for Goff quickly but was with McVay when he moved on from him.

He has excelled in that short passing game offense which runs the ball well. Will that be enough to win it all?
If Goff wins it all there then good for him as this trade is already a win win for both teams.

What I think may happen in Detroit is that they get close but like McVay they may realize he is not the guy to win it all.

As I'm watching the Divisional playoffs, I couldn't help being Angry or Rams weren't playing.

It kept coming back to taking a whole half before figuring out the defensive adjustments and 3 trips deep into the Red Zone coming away with FGs against the Lions!!!

All I can say is...MAN I WAS HOT...

1. So here we are... we've reached the end of another Rams season.

2. This will be my final weekly installment of 20 Random Thoughts for the season. I'll be doing additional lists during the offseason on a more ad hoc schedule. I expect there will be a lot to talk about between now and next Fall.

3. Those who read my posts have easily divined that I am an eternal optimist. I was optimistic before this season, and I was rewarded by the affirmation that came from a "beyond expectations" outcome.

4. That said, I will confess and acknowledge that those who went into this past season with a more guarded, or even jaded, view and expectation were, in fact, more in line with logic than starry-eyed optimists like me.

5. It was entirely logical to expect that the loss of Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Leonard Floyd, Nick Scott, Taylor Rapp, Gregg Gaines and A'Shawn Robinson would result in a defense that would struggle, at best.

6. It was entirely logical to presume that the addition of one second round pick to a group of holdovers would not be enough to solve the OL problems that plagued the Rams in 2022.

7. It was entirely logical to worry that age and injury would impact Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, resulting in a limited offensive attack.

8. It was entirely logical to doubt that Cam Akers would stay healthy and turn around our running game.

9. Of course, logic sometimes is overridden by a happy convergence of smart moves, good fortune, and other unforeseeable factors.

10. Looking back, we can say that Kobie Turner and Byron Young have more promise (at a lower price tag) going forward than Gaines/Robinson and Floyd would have if they had been retained.

11. We can say that Ernest Jones thrived in Wagner's absence.

12. We can say that our DBs, though far from perfect, held their own in the absence of the departed veterans.

13. We can look back on a (relatively) healthy campaign for the still-elite Stafford.

14. We can hope for a bounce-back season from Kupp, while basking in the glow of Puka Nacua's emergence.

15. We can take comfort in the knowledge that the OL problems in 2022 were fixable with the right 5 guys playing the bulk of the snaps throughout the year.

16. We can say "Cam who?" as we look forward to Kyren Williams' future (and search the draft for his clone!).

17. And, most of all, we were reminded that the folks in charge of the Rams are pretty good at their jobs.

18. And so, in the convergence of a purge and a surge, departures and additions, young and old, we find ourselves looking ahead to a 2024 in which Super Bowl aspirations are both optimistic and logical. The optimists and the realists are now one and the same.

19. Thanks to all who have joined me on this weekly journey of data dumps, streams of consciousness, catharsis and analysis, and everything in between, all in 20 soundbites per week!

20. And, as always, GO RAMS!!!!!!!

Sorry trans Atlantic besties lol

Puka Nacua Headlines Four Rams on 2023 All-Rookie Team​

The Los Angeles Rams had their fair share of rookies make big impacts this season, and four of those youngsters have been recognized on this year's All-Rookie Team.

• JONAH MORGAN
• 4 HOURS AGO

In this story:​

The Los Angeles Rams got a lot of production from their rookies this season, and it's only right that they got recognized for their accomplishments this year.
The 2023 All-Rookie Team was announced recently, and the Rams are tied for the most players on the team with the Detroit Lions. Two players on offense and two on defense appeared on the roster for Los Angeles, with each playing a big role on both sides of the ball this season.


Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sport
The two players on offense are breakout wide receiver Puka Nacua and guard Steve Avila. Nacua's numbers speak for themselves, as he finished fourth in the NFL in receiving yards and made the All-Pro second team.
And even though offensive linemen often don't get the recognition they deserve, Avila was widely known as one of the best interior blockers in the entire league this year.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Byron Young and defensive tackle Kobie Turner made it onto the All-Rookie team. Young was the player that the Rams drafted with the third-round pick that they got in the trade for Matthew Stafford, and he had a solid season, finishing with eight sacks. Turner also had a great rookie season, tying future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald's franchise rookie record for sacks with nine.

Rams Rookie Class: NFL's Best in 2023?​

Nobody is happier with the Rams rookie class than head coach Sean McVay, who raved about the young guys who could be the future of the franchise.
"I've been really pleased with them," McVay said. "It's been a real positive and I think we've found some guys that can be cornerstones or guys that are going to continue to be building blocks for years to come."

Ethan Evans also made 2nd team punter

I saw this posted in another thread. As a child, I remember Faulk Sr. would grill chicken on Thanksgiving weekend and we’d watch the Twilight Zone marathon.

These are great memories akin to watching YouTube highlights of the Greatest Show on Turf. There were many great episodes, but two of my favorites were The Box and Gremlin on the Wing.

The Box was later made into a movie. Gremlin had a gig actor at the time, who became very famous.

TLDR: Leave your favorite sci-fi episodes here.

2024 Pre-Senior Bowl Rams Mock
Preface: I will clarify that the FA signings will be based off the Rams starting with 44 million in Cap space & dumping the contracts of Noteboom & Allen via Post June 1st designated Cuts. This will add 22-million to the available space.
Regarding the Draft, there are 3 players that I am very high on and a combination of them would go off the board approximately between pick #25 and #55. I will be doing a few trades to make it happen. It may be unrealistic, but wanted to go through the process to see if it was doable on paper.
Last, I will presume that Raheem Morris will be hired as a Head Coach elsewhere within the next week or so and will add a 3rd Rnd compensatory pick at the end of the 3rd round,
My goal, along with upgrading the secondary, is to fortify the Front 5 on Defense. I believe the interior NT can be improved upon.

Restructure: Tyler Higbee Cap Savings 5.2 Mil ; His Cap hit for 2024 is 12-Mil and he will start the season on the PUP list
Cut: Post June 1st Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen... Cap Savings 22 Mil

Resign:
Kevin Dotson – I think a deal averaging 14 Mil per season will get it done
Coleman Shelton
Aleric Jackson
John Johnson
Demarcus Robinson
Carson Wentz

Outside Free agents:

Edge- Brian Burns


I think at this point everyone is familiar with Burns and his Skills as a Pass rusher. He should be a better value than Josh Allen considering his Pass Rush Win Rate is about 21%, or about the same as Allen. In addition, he will provide much better coverage in the Flat and receivers downfield than Hoecht

CB - L’Jarious Snead (Chiefs)

I have always liked this player, even mocked him to the Rams in 2020 when he came out of LA. Tech. Coveted size for a CB, 6’1’ - 195 lbs, good in coverage and is even a better open field tackler. Will bring much needed experience the DB room

Safety- Alohi Gilman (Chargers)

Gilman is 5’11” - 202 lbs coming off his Rookie deal, he has one the highest grades for coverage per PFF. Should be an upgrade over J Fuller.

ILB – Mack Wilson (Patriots)

Wilson is 6’1” - 245 He will bring more speed and coverage ability that has been missing for a while. One of the highest rated LB’s in coverage per PFF.

Draft
Trades:
#19 to Houston for #23 & #86
#51 & #86 to Chargers for #37 & #137
#83, #86 & #137 to Pitt for #52
#155 & #156 to Jacksonville for #117
#191 & 2025 5th to Tampa Bay for #127

Pick #23 - OT Jordan Morgan - Arizona
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Morgan has the protoypical size and length for a Left Tackle, 6’5” - 325 lbs. He is a great Pass protector along with being an average Run blocker. Rams are finally in position to Draft a quality LT of the future. Only Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu have better skills in Pass Pro.

Pick #37 - Edge - Chris Braswell - Alabama
Most Underrated EDGE in the 2024 NFL Draft? l Draft Factory Film Sessions (youtube.com)

Braswell is 6’3” - 255 lbs played opposite of Dallas Turner. He has an assortment of moves along with being very flexible to bend the Edge around Tackles. I think he is more polished than Byron Young entering the NFL. His speed and athleticism will help in coverage. Brian Burns is the short term fix and Braswell is the long term solution to solidifying the front 5.

Pick #52 NT – T’vondre Sweat - Texas
"T'Vondre Sweat Is THE ANCHOR!" | 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Spotlight! (youtube.com)

Sweat stands at 6’4” - 360 lbs He is equally good at pressuring the QB as he is at clogging the running lanes. HIs presence on the interior will stress the opponents O-line in having to decide which player to double team ; Donald or Sweat. Sweat will win most 1 on 1’s with Center if not doubled. This should help free up Donald for more 1 on 1’s.

Pick #102 (Comp) CB Mike Sainristil – MIchigan
2024 Draft - Mike Sainristil Michigan Highlights: 6 INTs I Massive Hits and PBUs vs Ohio State - YouTube

Sainristil is 5’10” - 182 lbs He brings speed to the DB room along with a being a great open field tackler. He even can lay the wood to ball carriers considering his lighter weight. Per the video, when one of his fellow DB’s went down with an injury against Ohio St, and the one covering Harrison Jr, Sainristil jumped in and said I’ll take over that responsibility and became a leader. Sainristil is also a converted WR...could provide value as a returner.

Pick #117 TE – Dallin Holker – Colorado St
Dallin Holker Scouting Film | 2024 NFL Draft Prospects (youtube.com)

Holker is 6‘5” - 240 lbs Runs a 4.65/40. Has above average athleticism... has a large catch radius which includes grabbing balls thrown near the ankles (per video). HE is an average blocker at this point and will need some work there. I think Holker will be more effective on screen plays than Higbee due to his speed. THe Rams will be set at this position if there are any issues with HIgbee’s knee and/or his last year of his contract with that large Cap hit.

Pick #127 CB – Kamal Hadden – Tennessee
Kamal Hadden Tennessee CB Highlights ᴴᴰ (youtube.com)

Hadden has great size for the position ; 6’1” - 195 lbs .. great speed 4.40/40. Will stick his nose in on running plays to make tackles near the LOS. The one think I like the best is that he has a QB rating of 7 when targeted. I have never seen a CB with this low of a rating. I’m not sure why he is not higher on Draft boards. I think he is a steal at this point of the Draft.

Pick #212 DL - Gabe Hall – Baylor
Gabe Hall Highlights (youtube.com)

Hall is your typical 5T, 3-4 DE... 6’6” - 288 lbs is equally adept at rushing the passer as he is stopping the Run. He can move for a big man... 4.78/40. He will provide an upgrade over Jonah WIlliams in the D-line rotation.

Pick# 217 - WR - Luke McCaffrey - Rice
Luke McCaffrey Rice Highlights (youtube.com)

McCaffrey... the younger brother of Christian, is 6’2” - 200 lbs, runs a 4.46/40. Has the pedigree to get open and make catches in traffic. He’s instinctive with the ball in the open field. He has the frame to be able to block but is below average at this point. He will need a season to work on his blocking and get stronger. Should be a good back-up for the next couple of seasons.

Pick #218 - LB - Edefuan Ulofoshio - Washington
Edefuan Ulofoshio (Washington LB) vs Oregon 2023 (youtube.com)

Ulofoshio is 6’1” - 236 lbs, 4.65/40 ... Ulofoshio would be the Coverage LB the Rams have been missing. He has one the highest Coverage grades per PFF. In the running game, you would want to protect him and let him flow to the ball as a Weak side defender. The Video doesn’t provide much but it is all I can find to this point.

PIck# 220 - Safety - Trey Taylor - Air Force
Trey Taylor Hard-Hitting Safety ᴴᴰ (youtube.com)

Taylor is 6’0” - 210 lbs, has good speed and range for the position. Has experience playing as the Star in a 4-2-5 alignment. Very good in coverage. PFF grades him at 82.6 overall, but has a coverage grade of 88.7. should be an upgrade over Russ Yeast. NOTE: winner of the Jim Thorpe Award

Projected Starters:
Offense
QB – Matt Stafford
RB – Kyren WIlliams
WR – Cooper Kupp
WR - Puka Nacua
WR – Demarcus Robinson
TE – Davis Allen / Dallin Holker
OT - Jordan Morgan
OG – Steve Avila
Center- Coleman Shelton
RG – Kevin Dotson
OT – Rob Havenstein
Swing Tackle - Aleric Jackson
Swing Interior - McClendon / McAllister

Defense:
DE – Aaron Donald
NT – T'vondre Sweat
DE – Kobi Turner
OLB – Brian Burns
ILB – Ernest jones
ILB - Mack Wilson
OLB – Byron Young / Chris Braswell
CB – L'Jarious Snead
CB - Kamal Hadden
NIckel / Slot- Mike Sainristil
Safety - Alohi Gilman
Safety – John Johnson
* Star - Quentin Lake

Special Teams:
Returner - Mike Sainristil / Luke McCaffrey
P/K - Brett Maher / Tanner Brown
Punter - Ethan Evans
L/S - Alex Ward

Stafford being followed around by Netflix cameras for this past season should make for some good watching when it comes out. Would have been much cooler (obviously) if we had gone further in the playoffs, but this season's "script" didn't call for it I guess.

I am looking forward to seeing it though. Is anyone NOT interested in watching that when they release it? If so, why?

RAMS DRAFT PICKS BY POSITION?

2023/2024 NFL Divisional Round Playoffs - Sunday January 21, 2024

AFC: 6:30 p.m. ET (3) Kansas City Chiefs at (2) Buffalo Bills (CBS, Paramount+)

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook

2023/2024 NFL Divisional Round Playoffs - Sunday January 21, 2024

NFC: 3 p.m. ET (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (3) Detroit Lions (NBC, Peacock

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook

It looks like the 49ers a few dollars over the Cap heading into the '24 season. And, many of the contracts are going to leave a lot of Dead money if they Trade or Cut. Seems they are going to have to do a few Restructures and/or Extensions to get under the Cap. They may be stuck with the Roster they have going into '24.
...Any thoughts?

2023/24 NFL Divisional Round Playoffs - Saturday, January 20, 2024

NFC: 8:15 p.m. ET (7) Green Bay Packers at (1) San Francisco 49ers (FOX, FOX

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook

2023/24 NFL Divisional Round Playoffs - Saturday, January 20, 2024

AFC: 4:30 p.m. ET (4) Houston Texans at (1) Baltimore Ravens (ESPN/ABC, ESPN+, ESPN

RamsOnDemand Sportsbook

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Sounds like what some of us have been saying. They want to sign him for a price. If it's too much, he'll be gone. Ideally, I'd like him back but don't want to overpay when we have some stellar OT options in the draft and possible position flex with either them or AJ moving in.

Hope we get him at a good price.

A lot of good stuff here, get Dotson signed.
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Looking at overthecap.com and sporttrac.com and OTC has us at 29 mill and ST has us at 48 mill? I know they usually have a bit of a difference but that is a bit much! lol

I'm thinking we should be 45-48 mill next year right? Tell me I'm not crazy! lol


p.s. Looks like we can add 1-3 pretty damned good experienced players to help us out next year! Hoping we pick up a DE or CB!

That is all....

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Didn't think it would hurt to send out this little reminder...

The 1999 Rams were the greatest team ever in sports. Not just football, not just the NFL, but of all of sports.

The storylines from preseason till the Super Bowl were never ending. One after another. Everything from acquiring Trent Green, Faulk, the draft picks like Holt, the devastating preseason injury to Green and emergence of Kurt Warner, beating the crap out of Baltimore week one after going 4-12 the previous season. Kicking the shit out of the 49ers in week 5 breaking a 17 game losing steak to them. Scoring a bomb of a touchdown on the very first offensive play in the Minnesota playoff, and the bomb at the end of the game to Bruce to win the Super Bowl. And, Vermeil...crying his way through the entire season. Just great stuff everywhere.

There was nothing like this team, and never will be again.

Still have doubts? Watch this clip of the GSOT and your doubts will disappear. I love every Rams team, but this one and this 1999 season was like no other, and never will be again either.

Peace. Out. Catch you guys later!

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Not an overly thorough post here.. just a sketch.

Areas the Rams need immediate upgrades in 2024-
Edge
Corner
Safety
Kicker

These are the places where they can't wait to "develop" a player. Meaning it's either a FA or a first or second round draft pick. Maybe a 3rd rounder at a position like Safety. Kicker is a different animal.. but you have to fix it.
My preferred solution is FA signing of an edge.. Hunter, Huff or Young.. and a corner.
Biggest issue with corners is the guys on the market are older.. except for Snead.. and I don't think KC is letting him go.
Also.. they need to decide whether to keep Hoecht, in addition to the big FA signing, sign a different, lower tier second FA edge.. or draft another in the first three rounds. This area was a huge problem.. and Young did not progress much, so I'm not sold on that position being settled.

Areas the Rams need immediate depth/addition in 2024-
Running back
Wide receiver
TE
OL
LB
DLINE
QB

Kyren is a ton of fun and an excellent player who has missed 13 games to injury in his first two seasons and who would not have been available this week because of injury. We saw how much the Rams offense benefitted from an excellent running back this season... they MUST add talent here. Rivers ain't it.. and even if they like Evans, having another talented back is a must.
With Kupp so often injured.. having a consistent 2nd threat along with Puka is a growing need.
With Higbee likely missing all of training camp.. and who knows how much of next season.. they need to add to the room. I think Davis can handle the starting role.. but quality depth is a must.
Always add Oline. I'm good with mid and late round picks.. if they're keeping Noteboom as insurance. If not? They need a dependable swing tackle.. or a higher round pick.. first or second. I'd rather keep boom.
LB.. Need athletes on D and special teams.. add some here in mid rounds
They have three legit starters on the DL.. and then there's a drop. I'd like to see a 3rd or 4th rounder added.
They need a backup QB.. and maybe a developmental QB.

When I look at all that... I think it's possible to address it all.

Something to hope for... Raheem Morris gets a gig and Rams get an additional 3rd rounder.
If so.. I would probably try to trade back.. a little.. and hopefully add one or two 4th round picks.

That would get them to 6 picks in the first 4 rounds... my rough draft hopes for the order:

1st-Corner
2nd-Edge
3rd-WR
3rd-RB
4th-Safety
4th-DL
5th-Ol
5th-LB
5th-TE
6TH-OL
6TH-LB
6TH-Safety
6th-Corner

They could try to trade up to get into the 4th or do a combo trade down/trade up to get into the 4th.. we'll see. 13 picks seems like maybe too many this time around?

We'll see.

They have plenty of money to go out and get a top Edge and CB.. and even sign Dotson... IF they want to be that aggressive... if they think spending $15 mil on a guard is worth it. I have my doubts. If they don't sign him.. or another FA.. that vaults Guard to an urgent need.. and would probably mix things up a great deal for me. I would end up going the cheaper 2nd veteran edge option.. and use that second on a guard.

There are spots in the starting lineup where an upgrade is needed for the Rams to reach the next level.

It is also important, though… perhaps equally important, to ensure that we have adequate depth in areas of strength. It’s a long season, and we need “insurance policies” to prevent injuries at key spots from derailing the season.

These three spots come to mind:

Kyren Insurance
Kyren Williams had an amazing season, and his impact on the offense cannot be overstated. His ability to run between the tackles, block, and catch the ball make him the perfect back for Sean McVay’s offense, which is predicated on having versatile players who can play every down, as opposed to a lot of situational players. The problem, of course, is that Williams is only 5’9, 195 lbs. He is not built to withstand constant pounding, as was demonstrated by his midseason injury, as well as those he suffered last week against Detroit. To keep him fresh, and insure against short-term injuries, the Rams need another back who can do what he does. Two guys I think would be perfect are Blake Corum from Michigan and Tre Benson from FSU. I don’t know, however, if the Rams are willing to invest a Day 2 pick to fill this spot. I, for one, would take either in Round 3. Not sure I’d use a 2nd round pick on any RB. As a possible Day 3 option is Dylan Laube of New Hampshire.

Kupp Insurance
If Cooper Kupp returns at 100% (and stays healthy), he and Puka Nacua could be one of the top WR duos in football. That said, Kupp has had trouble staying healthy over the past two seasons, and he’s getting up there in age. So, this insurance policy is both a short-term protection, and necessary as we plan for a post-Kupp time. I don’t see any chance of getting the guy I dream of seeing in horns – Rome Odunze of Washington, unless we trade up (doubt we would). I think its more likely we look at prospects on Days 2 and 3. Two guys I think fit our system well are Ladd McConkey of Georgia, and Odunze’s Washington teammate, Jalen McMillon. This is a position I’ll be watching very carefully at the Senior Bowl.

Stafford Insurance
I’m really not looking to draft a “QB of the future” at this point. The top guys will be gone long before we make our first round selection, and I’m not all that keen on the “second tier” guys. I think the solution is already on our roster. Carson Wentz, assuming he would sign for a reasonable sum, would give us a guy who can fill in if (hopefully this does not happen) Stafford has to sit for a game or two. He also could be used for RPO plays in short yardage/Red Zone situations.

In January 2024, RamsOnDemand lost our dear friend Jeff.

Known here as bomebadeeda, Jeff was a regular contributor for more than 10yrs. When you include time at RealRamsFans.com, many of us have been posting with bomebadeeda for nearly 20 years.

Bomebadeeda was known for his thoughtful, reasoned, and intelligent participation style - a true gentleman in the world of forums.

Bome will be missed, but never forgotten at RamsOnDemand.

https://ramsondemand.com/threads/our-dear-friend-bomebadeeda.70629/

This dude....

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire - Good for him
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