The Los Angeles Rams are forward of schedule with their retooling course of after a top quality 2023 marketing campaign that noticed them make the postseason behind a resurgent yr from Matthew Stafford. Common supervisor Les Snead was getting ready for a much less profitable season, however the whole group rallied collectively to go above .500 and earn a spot within the postseason.
Not solely had been the Rams good on the finish of the season, they had been higher than anticipated instantly. Maybe their solely scary second was when Stafford suffered an harm that induced him to overlook a sport proper when the group was establishing their rhythm. The Rams turned to backup Brett Rypien and suffered a dismal loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers, forcing the Rams to vary their backup and go along with former No. 2 general decide Carson Wentz.
Due to how that went in 2023, Snead is wanting forward at doable accidents to Stafford and deciding if spending a few of their cap house on a veteran backup is worth it.
“What we do wish to accomplish this yr is ensuring we now have … if we ever need to go play a sport with out Matthew within the lineup, we wish to have the ability to win it,” Snead mentioned. “And I feel this yr, totally different than final yr primarily based on wage cap, may permit us to perhaps do a veteran QB. The pliability with the cap does permit us to try this the place final yr, we thought, you recognize what, let’s attempt to be essentially the most aggressive group with our beginning 22, but it surely did come again to harm us positively (in) one sport final yr.”
The Rams undoubtedly wish to be certain they’ve their greatest gamers obtainable in each sport. However within the NFL, that’s an inconceivable ask, and with Stafford struggling accidents in two consecutive seasons now, the Rams need to watch out with who they carry in as a backup.
With the group’s further cap house and draft capital this offseason, there positively is room to herald a top quality backup in case Stafford goes down, whether or not that be Wentz or another person.
Rams assembly with Rome Odunze
The Rams are slated to select at No. 19, and have met with potential gamers on the NFL Draft Mix, together with Washington large receiver Rome Odunze.
Odunze, a four-year participant who will probably be 22 when the 2024 season kicks off, has had a stellar final two faculty campaigns for the Huskies and was probably the greatest receivers in all of school soccer in 2023. As a part of Washington’s path to the Nationwide Championship sport, Odunze had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s slated to be one of many first receivers taken within the 2024 Draft.
Loads of groups have met with Odunze on the Mix, together with the Rams, though their means to land him could require some maneuvering.
