A peek at how I think Snead views his offseason options…

[Rams43]

Emphasis ‘currently’.

First thing is to make some important decisions at several key positions and each of these decisions will have ripple effects.

1. Do Rams like Wentz for future Stafford replacement and as current backup QB? And would Wentz be amenable and affordable in the meantime? OR will Rams opt to use a 1st for a QB that they really like from this draft class bumper crop? Or maybe trade up to get one? There is no higher value than acquiring a franchise QB and while Stafford is playing well right now the clock is always ticking on his Rams career. Yeah, choosing a QB is always risky but show me a playoff team that DOESN’T have a quality QB. I’ll wait…

2. Do Rams splurge on a top level FA Edge opposite Young or will they prefer to gamble on getting one high in the draft? Getting a good edge is a necessity, the only question is FA or the draft?

3. Will Snead similarly to go FA for a top CB or spend a high draft pick to get one? And is Witherspoon worth extending, as well?

4. This is reportedly a tremendous WR draft. Will Snead snag one or is he content with extending DeMarcus Robinson as a WR3? Or maybe he’ll do both?

5. Will a starting LOT even be there in the 1st when Rams pick and, if so, will Snead pounce or does he think AJ can hold down the fort at LOT now that he’s healthy?

6. Extend Dotson and where is the ceiling that Rams are willing to pay him?

These are just a few of the decisions that Snead must make before he even contemplates FA and later the draft.

Here are my hopes for Snead’s decisions:

Sign Wentz for immediate backup QB and future starter. This frees up many options for the draft and solves a looming void that may arrive sooner than anybody wants. Hopefully, Wentz will be amenable and affordable.

I would move heaven and earth to sign best available Edge. What better way to invest cap dollars on Rams biggest need and at such a premium position? Would make life so much easier for Rams new DC (see what I did there?)

I would extend Witherspoon if at all reasonable. A bird in the hand thing and he’s earned it. But I would keep an eye out for best value as another starting CB to pair with him from either FA or the draft. We’re too unproven at CB to entertain a SB run just yet.

I would keep AJ at LOT. Might not be All Pro but more than adequate if healthy. Besides, an elite LOT won’t be falling to us at picks 15-20 anyway, which is where I think we’ll be.

I would extend DeMarcus Robinson at a reasonable price despite the tempting WR draft class. Rams can still draft a WR if they want to. Heck, Kupp was a 3rd and Puka was a 5th. Maybe Snead will do both?

Might be smart to extend Shelton, too. Not an All Pro, but he is effective and this OL is gelling nicely.

Keep drafting a RB every year. This should be Rams policy for foreseeable future. Doesn’t have to be a premium pick. KW was a 5th and Pacheco of the Chiefs was a 7th.

Keep drafting S where Snead sees value. Fuller is a goner and our S room is not there yet. I would love to see more ball hawk type Safeties with speed when they profile candidates.

Rams TE room could use some bolstering. Love Davis Allen’s upside but I think Higbee is trending downward and I have little faith in Hunter Long. Hopkins is a goner.

At this point it’s just a matter of Snead and his scouts finding gems at many positions with all picks not already traded to accomplish potential QB acquisition if they choose not to keep Wentz.

We’ll see a sprinkling of picks at the following positions and hopefully they will be halfway as successful as this 2023 crop:

RB
OL
TE
WR
DL
ILB
CB
S

I love our current assistant coaches with the exception of Blackburn. Unfortunately, I think we’ll have a few scooped up by other teams, but what’s new?

If Snead can pull off another stellar offseason, and he has the picks plus a healthy cap situation, I truly believe that Rams could be in the 2024 SB conversation.

Thoughts?

 

[Merlin]

Finding a number with Wentz isn't going to be a big deal, IF the Rams are interested in keeping him around. Only way that gets complicated is if he gets a shot to play and excels, which means there's a bit of a game of wait and see going on here I am sure with his representation. But the Rams are a top spot for a reclamation project. Right now I am sure he wants to stick around.

It is unlikely the Rams spend money on Robinson. This draft is loaded with wideouts. We need speed outside the hash badly to help elevate this attack and fully utilize Stafford's arm talent. It is a top need and something that provides instant impact, so a draft pick in round 1 or 2 is very likely, barring the board working against that. There are some interesting FAs about to hit the market, and Evans in particular I would covet, but the Rams have a ton of money tied into Kupp so I don't see them tying up more in wideouts. Draft is most likely logically.

I've come around at this point on Dotson. Really wanted that Miami center but he's out for the year. Guards in FA aren't all that. For the Rams the decision is do you trust Jackson to move him over to guard where he is more natural or do you just suck it up and lock up Dotson to ensure you go into the draft with a solid starting 5. I'm guessing the latter. Then if they draft a LT he isn't pressed to start until he is ready. This also means that Boom can be cut to help fund Dotson getting paid. And balance-wise we'd have two guys being paid, those being Dotson and Havenstein who is a relative bargain.

Shelton looks like he's under contract next year so I wouldn't do anything this offseason with him. Why waste money on a guy you might replace. He's been solid but is still a guy you need to protect, so hopefully they can upgrade this draft or next and if not he's got one more year of team control.

Spoon was always a one year rental. He's got a job right now because Durant can't tackle and because Tomlinson has been slow to adjust to the NFL. But we'll see more quality come in at corner this offseason.

TE is solid for next year. Higs got extended. Long apparently they liked in-house before his injury. And Allen is emerging. Looks a ton better than usual so we have bigger fish to fry barring a situation where something crazy happens like Bowers sliding to us in the draft.

Safety to me feels like a big need. Rams have drafted the position well midrounds. But with tackling ability underneath becoming such a priority for defenses, and given how we've struggled there, I would not be surprised if they took one early. Needs are a safety for the pairing with Lake, and a classic SS who has some coverage ability who can stand up in that super sub role as a nickel/WILB would be real nice.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Emphasis ‘currently’.

First thing is to make some important decisions at several key positions and each of these decisions will have ripple effects.

1. Do Rams like Wentz for future Stafford replacement and as current backup QB? And would Wentz be amenable and affordable in the meantime? OR will Rams opt to use a 1st for a QB that they really like from this draft class bumper crop? Or maybe trade up to get one? There is no higher value than acquiring a franchise QB and while Stafford is playing well right now the clock is always ticking on his Rams career. Yeah, choosing a QB is always risky but show me a playoff team that DOESN’T have a quality QB. I’ll wait…

2. Do Rams splurge on a top level FA Edge opposite Young or will they prefer to gamble on getting one high in the draft? Getting a good edge is a necessity, the only question is FA or the draft?

3. Will Snead similarly to go FA for a top CB or spend a high draft pick to get one? And is Witherspoon worth extending, as well?

4. This is reportedly a tremendous WR draft. Will Snead snag one or is he content with extending DeMarcus Robinson as a WR3? Or maybe he’ll do both?

5. Will a starting LOT even be there in the 1st when Rams pick and, if so, will Snead pounce or does he think AJ can hold down the fort at LOT now that he’s healthy?

6. Extend Dotson and where is the ceiling that Rams are willing to pay him?

These are just a few of the decisions that Snead must make before he even contemplates FA and later the draft.

Here are my hopes for Snead’s decisions:

Sign Wentz for immediate backup QB and future starter. This frees up many options for the draft and solves a looming void that may arrive sooner than anybody wants. Hopefully, Wentz will be amenable and affordable.

I would move heaven and earth to sign best available Edge. What better way to invest cap dollars on Rams biggest need and at such a premium position? Would make life so much easier for Rams new DC (see what I did there?)

I would extend Witherspoon if at all reasonable. A bird in the hand thing and he’s earned it. But I would keep an eye out for best value as another starting CB to pair with him from either FA or the draft. We’re too unproven at CB to entertain a SB run just yet.

I would keep AJ at LOT. Might not be All Pro but more than adequate if healthy. Besides, an elite LOT won’t be falling to us at picks 15-20 anyway, which is where I think we’ll be.

I would extend DeMarcus Robinson at a reasonable price despite the tempting WR draft class. Rams can still draft a WR if they want to. Heck, Kupp was a 3rd and Puka was a 5th. Maybe Snead will do both?

Might be smart to extend Shelton, too. Not an All Pro, but he is effective and this OL is gelling nicely.

Keep drafting a RB every year. This should be Rams policy for foreseeable future. Doesn’t have to be a premium pick. KW was a 5th and Pacheco of the Chiefs was a 7th.

Keep drafting S where Snead sees value. Fuller is a goner and our S room is not there yet. I would love to see more ball hawk type Safeties with speed when they profile candidates.

Rams TE room could use some bolstering. Love Davis Allen’s upside but I think Higbee is trending downward and I have little faith in Hunter Long. Hopkins is a goner.

At this point it’s just a matter of Snead and his scouts finding gems at many positions with all picks not already traded to accomplish potential QB acquisition if they choose not to keep Wentz.

We’ll see a sprinkling of picks at the following positions and hopefully they will be halfway as successful as this 2023 crop:

RB
OL
TE
WR
DL
ILB
CB
S

I love our current assistant coaches with the exception of Blackburn. Unfortunately, I think we’ll have a few scooped up by other teams, but what’s new?

If Snead can pull off another stellar offseason, and he has the picks plus a healthy cap situation, I truly believe that Rams could be in the 2024 SB conversation.

Thoughts?

This coming draft is not very deep at edge, supposedly. I think signing one would be best, but how old of an edge are they willing to sign with this youth movement?

Getting a top corner later in round one is possible. I wouldn’t mind the Rams signing one in free agency. Aside from McVay’s first season, have the Rams signed many top dollar free agents? Neither corner nor edge may be possible if they are not willing to spend. They did seem to be enamored with Brian burns in the past. I’m not.

McVay seemed to be very pleased with Hunter Long’s play against the Ravens. I don’t think they draft a TE unless there is one they cannot turn down. If Pitts is a FA I could see them chasing him.

The safety room lacks closing speed. They really need to address that. I’m not so sure Fuller won’t be signed though. After reading Jourdan’s article about him, I think there is a good chance that they want to keep him around. He’s a team leader and the glue for the young DBs.

Like in most off seasons, I expect them to shore up all weaknesses with a mid tier signing here or there. Then they can go BPA.

If QB is not a first round option then a WR would not surprise me at all. McVay loves weapons and Kupp is not getting any younger.

My hope is that they draft Newton, the stud DT from Illinois. He’d help solve a lot of problems with the pass rush.

 

[TexasRam]

Have to see who makes it to Free agency. Then see how the draft pans out. Where we pick and who’s projected there.

Definitely keep Dotson in the fold. I keep the Oline together for continuity. Plus they are averaging 36 ppg over the last three since all players settled in.

I go hard after Josh Allen. DE like that could solve some safety and CB issues. I next get a CB in free agency.

Possibly move up in the first round for the LT.

I would be fine with Carson Wentz as long as it’s a reasonable cheap contract.

 

[AvengerRam]

Is this what you THINK Snead will do, or simply what you HOPE he will do?

 

[Allen2McVay]

...

Shelton looks like he's under contract next year so I wouldn't do anything this offseason with him. Why waste money on a guy you might replace. He's been solid but is still a guy you need to protect, so hopefully they can upgrade this draft or next and if not he's got one more year of team control.

...

Shelton can void 2024, and will likely do so.

 

[Rams43]

Finding a number with Wentz isn't going to be a big deal, IF the Rams are interested in keeping him around. Only way that gets complicated is if he gets a shot to play and excels, which means there's a bit of a game of wait and see going on here I am sure with his representation. But the Rams are a top spot for a reclamation project. Right now I am sure he wants to stick around.

It is unlikely the Rams spend money on Robinson. This draft is loaded with wideouts. We need speed outside the hash badly to help elevate this attack and fully utilize Stafford's arm talent. It is a top need and something that provides instant impact, so a draft pick in round 1 or 2 is very likely, barring the board working against that. There are some interesting FAs about to hit the market, and Evans in particular I would covet, but the Rams have a ton of money tied into Kupp so I don't see them tying up more in wideouts. Draft is most likely logically.

I've come around at this point on Dotson. Really wanted that Miami center but he's out for the year. Guards in FA aren't all that. For the Rams the decision is do you trust Jackson to move him over to guard where he is more natural or do you just suck it up and lock up Dotson to ensure you go into the draft with a solid starting 5. I'm guessing the latter. Then if they draft a LT he isn't pressed to start until he is ready. This also means that Boom can be cut to help fund Dotson getting paid. And balance-wise we'd have two guys being paid, those being Dotson and Havenstein who is a relative bargain.

Shelton looks like he's under contract next year so I wouldn't do anything this offseason with him. Why waste money on a guy you might replace. He's been solid but is still a guy you need to protect, so hopefully they can upgrade this draft or next and if not he's got one more year of team control.

Spoon was always a one year rental. He's got a job right now because Durant can't tackle and because Tomlinson has been slow to adjust to the NFL. But we'll see more quality come in at corner this offseason.

TE is solid for next year. Higs got extended. Long apparently they liked in-house before his injury. And Allen is emerging. Looks a ton better than usual so we have bigger fish to fry barring a situation where something crazy happens like Bowers sliding to us in the draft.

Safety to me feels like a big need. Rams have drafted the position well midrounds. But with tackling ability underneath becoming such a priority for defenses, and given how we've struggled there, I would not be surprised if they took one early. Needs are a safety for the pairing with Lake, and a classic SS who has some coverage ability who can stand up in that super sub role as a nickel/WILB would be real nice.

Excellent reply, Merlin.

Couple of points/questions.

When you say ‘suck it up’ and sign Dotson does that include all the way to $17M per yea? I’m unwilling to go nearly that far.

Shelton has fulfilled a part of his contract that will allow him to opt out and become an UFA next year. So Rams are on the hot seat as far as a decision on him next offseason.

I could see Rams both extending Witherspoon and drafting a CB rather high. Witherspoon should be very affordable and he’s been very effective.

We see TE differently, too. I don’t think it’s solid at all despite the Higbee extension. I think Higbee is in decline and that may be proven to be an unfortunate contract extension. Hunter Long is an unknown and I think Higbee is in decline and that may have been proven to be an unfortunate contract extension. Hunter long is unproven and Hopkins is a goner.
.

 

[Merlin]

Using PFF as a reference on rough position availability:

EDGE

OT

CB

Safety

ILB (Carter won't be in draft, they are smoking crack with Trotter IMO)

DL

 

[Rams43]

Is this what you THINK Snead will do, or simply what you HOPE he will do?

The first part is what I THINK Snead is thinking.

The latter part is what I HOPE will be done.

Thought I put those distinctions in my OP.

 

[Merlin]

Shelton can void 2024, and will likely do so.

Then let him go.

 

[Merlin]

When you say ‘suck it up’ and sign Dotson does that include all the way to $17M per yea? I’m unwilling to go nearly that far.

Shelton has fulfilled a part of his contract that will allow him to opt out and become an UFA next year. So Rams are on the hot seat as far as a decision on him next offseason.

I could see Rams both extending Witherspoon and drafting a CB rather high. Witherspoon should be very affordable and he’s been very effective.

We see TE differently, too. I don’t think it’s solid at all despite the Higbee extension. I think Higbee is in decline and that may be proven to be an unfortunate contract extension. Hunter Long is an unknown and I think Higbee is in decline and that may have been proven to be an unfortunate contract extension. Hunter long is unproven and Hopkins is a goner.

Yeah I'm not worried about a million or two per year because they will structure things smartly. If they can lock him up early that would be ideal. If he hits the market not sure some team won't get stupid which is always the case and if that happens then let him walk. Just have to admit there are advantages to entering game one with our line set. We haven't had a ready to go line for day one in a while now.

Shelton didn't realize he had the opt out. I don't care about Shelton. Let him leave if some team is dumb enough to pay him.

Spoon is a liability. We're gonna have to disagree. Rams are just making due this season.

Higs is a solid TE. He can do the job and plays dinged up. Just having him plus Allen alone is better than previous seasons for this room. Long is a throw-in who rounds out the depth. I'd say in previous years that room has been subpar. This is the first season in years where I think we look decent.

 

[AvengerRam]

The first part is what I THINK Snead is thinking.

The latter part is what I HOPE will be done.

Thought I put those distinctions in my OP.

The first part is mostly questions.

I was wondering whether you had heard or read anything that gave any clues to Snead’s plans.

 

[Rams8821]

Using PFF as a reference on rough position availability:

EDGE
View attachment 62912

OT
View attachment 62913

CB
View attachment 62914

Safety
View attachment 62919

ILB (Carter won't be in draft, they are smoking crack with Trotter IMO)
View attachment 62917

DL
View attachment 62918

Trotter is legit....

 

[Ramhusker]

I'm feeling if our guy isn't there at our pick, Snead will look to trade down and gain picks in the Top 100. I can't help but do this in mock drafts and there are a lot of scenarios where we can plug multiple holes in the roster with that strategy. But of course, you have to have willing dance partners and the draft has to somewhat work in your favor.

 

[Merlin]

Trade downs never surprise me with Snead.

But one thing that might factor in to that is the dropoff point in round 1. Every year has one. Think last year it was in the low teens, where the talent fell off. This draft feels deeper in that regard. Rams might end up sitting at or near that point.

 

[Kupped]

The Wentz thing? Meh.. he was on the street for a reason. I see a lot of parallels to Blake Bortles.
No way am I drafting a QB in round one.. unless, by miracle, one you absolutely couldn't say no to drops. And, no, that's not Bo Nix or Penix.

Edge and Corner are where critical upgrades are needed to get this defense to the next level. Danielle Hunter will be a Ram, I'm putting money on it. He negotiated a deal that allows him to hit the market. No one close to him is likely to hit the market.. they'll be franchised.
He will be expensive, but probably only on 3 years (unless they want to play with void years).
They need one high-level corner. The could arguably survive with that plus Kendrick and Crew.. but they need at least one big upgrade there.
I don't think the safety room is complete and I think Fuller's departure opens the door to an upgrade there. How that happens is the question.
I'm definitely in the "take a LT in the first round" camp.. while keeping Alaric Jackson. I have no idea if the Rams will go as high as Dotson can get in FA.. but I know that having the interior line stronger is helping the run game and Stafford. It has to be a priority.

Shelton IS NOT UNDER TEAM CONTROL. His deal allows him to opt out, and he will. He's earned a raise.

Also need more help on DL.. and I agree on drafting another RB.

I'd keep Demarcus Robinson if the price was very reasonable... AND draft another WR with some wheels. It can be a lower round smaller guy.. but another burner, please.

Tight End? Maybe a late round guy.. insurance if Long doesn't make it back.. but I'm good with Higbee and Allen as 1&2.

What I feel confident about? The Rams are going all in for a short time span. They didn't go through this season for a 5 year plan.. they're maximizing Stafford, Donald and Kupp and will be opening up a ton of money for FA next season. This is Los Angeles where franchises are bold.. See the Lakers and Dodgers. You do NOT wait around for something to develop.. you go BIG.

A reminder.. they've done it before.

 

[dang]

Emphasis ‘currently’.

First thing is to make some important decisions at several key positions and each of these decisions will have ripple effects.

1. Do Rams like Wentz for future Stafford replacement and as current backup QB? And would Wentz be amenable and affordable in the meantime? OR will Rams opt to use a 1st for a QB that they really like from this draft class bumper crop? Or maybe trade up to get one? There is no higher value than acquiring a franchise QB and while Stafford is playing well right now the clock is always ticking on his Rams career. Yeah, choosing a QB is always risky but show me a playoff team that DOESN’T have a quality QB. I’ll wait…

Thoughts?

1. Look no further than GB and Minn. Both are currently in the playoffs. Neither starting QB is very good.

 

[Kupped]

1. Look no further than GB and Minn. Both are currently in the playoffs. Neither starting QB is very good.

Jordan Love is, in fact, good.

 

[dang]

Jordan Love is, in fact, good.

Did you watch him against the Giants. Not good. Not good against Rams either but better than Rypien.

 

[Kupped]

Did you watch him against the Giants. Not good. Not good against Rams either but better than Rypien.

I’ve watched a few games.
If you watched the right games this year, Matt Stafford is bad.

Love turned a corner this season.