What I don't understand is why people assume that the Rams do things in a vacuum. Snead has repeatedly shown he's always thinking one to two years in advance. In other words he knew this year was coming and IMO he's already planned for it. We see it as disjointed, but we aren't privy to all the information about what his moves are going to be. I think he's making moves preemptively because he sees opportunities as outsiders, i.e. fans, we simply aren't in a position to see. So instead of railing about a rebuild, I see this as a remodel of the roster.
Case in point, they obviously need an edge. So they are going to release the only edge they do have, one that has proven if used properly can be very good? He's trading away the best CB they have? Before we criticize we should wait until the dust settles. For all we know he's clearing the deck for someone like Ngakoue to replace Floyd. Ngakoue is younger and better overall and would be an upgrade. I'm simply using this as an example.
Another is because they need to clear about $20M additional cap space to sign everyone they need to of their own priority FAs including Mayfield who would be an expensive backup prior to being a future starter.
As I've pointed out in previous posts the Rams could simply move AD to edge and then they only need one more edge again. With Gaines, and Brown/Copeland inside they still could have a good defensive front. Hoecht showed flashes of how good he might become at edge. He's got 4.6 speed and good length. I think he needs at least another year to make the transition but could be a good rotational piece in their plans.
Ramsey's trade could not only clear cap but provide them with the draft capital to finish the remodel. Also, Rochell has the potential to be another Ramsey like CB. Along with Durant, they would have their boundary CBs and they could grab another in this draft. People keep pointing to the OL but last year was IMO an aberration, i.e. overwhelming injuries. IMO they have the talent to be very good with the people they have. We have yet to see Thomas and perhaps Toner if they extend him. Both would fill in the missing pieces. When he's healthy, Noteboom has Orlando Brown talent, i.e. to be very good. Jackson is underrated and proved he can play inside or outside.
So I for one will wait and see what Snead is really doing. He's already proven he's among the best GMs in the league. With Snead and McVay the Rams are elite in their FO and HC. As long as the Rams have these two guys the franchise will always be competitive, i.e in the hunt for another Lombardi.
titanswire.usatoday.com
