Bold Predictions - Rams 2023 Off-Season

[bubbaramfan]

So Ram writes a coherent, cognizant, clearly understandable post.

 

[Loyal]

Rams trade Brian Allen for Jason Kelsey......

You said BOLD, not smart!

 

[nighttrain]

It’s early in the offseason… Anybody got a BOLD prediction?

Lots’s of speculation around Ramsey getting traded. The Rams need to do something to get under the cap. Any trades?

Do the Rams make a surprise FA signing? Free Agency starts in a little over 3 weeks.

Any surprise cuts?

What happens at backup QB?

Do we do anything unexpected on draft day?

What is your BOLD prediction?

Rams trade both Ramsey and Donald for picks
train

 

[Tano]

So Ram writes a coherent, cognizant, clearly understandable post.

 

[dieterbrock]

Would love to get Brandon Cooks back!!

Me too brother, and I think he'd love to be back too!

 

[oldnotdead]

Depending on how the offseason and FA goes, I can see this team being 11-6 or 12-5 this year. Again health will be the primary issue. If they are serious this year they will upgrade QB2 either with Mayfield or at 36 in the draft.

If Snead can grab NgaKoue in FA that would be like adding another Miller on that defensive front. Upgrading QB2 is an absolute must and I don't mean with a well worn retread.

Thomas has the talent to be better than Corbett at OG. At center they have Allen and Shelton (a priority FA), both are underrated centers with Shelton the better OG than Allen. Add in Jackson and Bruss and they have potential at the other OG position. If Noteboom can return healthy, then Jackson has shown he can be a good LT.

This is why I don't think Snead sees the OL as a huge priority given their dearth of draft picks. Most of the Ram picks are going to be 3rd day picks. That means any OL there will be at least a one year project player. DB, RB and perhaps TE are the better picks who are more likely to contribute during this season.

Last season was an aberration due to massive injuries that decimated this team. Their pressing needs are at DE and QB2. DE can be addressed in FA or the draft. The same can be said about QB2.

Sam Darnold is an interesting option at QB2 but he's a 2 year project. His decision making and inconsistent mechanics need a complete overhaul. He has the arm and accuracy for McVay's offense but it ends there. They would be better off with Tanner if he drops. Of course they could sign Darnold as insurance and see who drops in the draft since it's 2 months away.

This team is closer than most realize. Make Jimmy Lake DC and if they have to they can play Donald at edge (DE) with Gaines and Brown inside with Hoecht and Hardy behind Donald and Floyd.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I Love Man

That's a little awkward.

@Rams43 ... I meant to say ... I love you man ... because of your optimistic post.

View: https://youtu.be/gId6nrMDmUU

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I’d could see an Akers trade after the Rams secure Bijon Robinson in the draft. ( As Memphis suggestion in the draft forum) McVay has been pretty consistent with focusing on offense with his earliest picks recently. .

Maybe trading for Deandre Hopkins and trading or cutting Allen Robinson. McVay likely dreams of Nuk the same way he did Von and OBJ.

What I’d hope to see is signing an edge and an interior Olineman (preferably a center) Those two things could do a lot to shoring up two major holes. I wonder if Wendell will have an inside track on some players.

 

[Rams43]

Depending on how the offseason and FA goes, I can see this team being 11-6 or 12-5 this year. Again health will be the primary issue. If they are serious this year they will upgrade QB2 either with Mayfield or at 36 in the draft.

If Snead can grab NgaKoue in FA that would be like adding another Miller on that defensive front. Upgrading QB2 is an absolute must and I don't mean with a well worn retread.

Thomas has the talent to be better than Corbett at OG. At center they have Allen and Shelton (a priority FA), both are underrated centers with Shelton the better OG than Allen. Add in Jackson and Bruss and they have potential at the other OG position. If Noteboom can return healthy, then Jackson has shown he can be a good LT.

This is why I don't think Snead sees the OL as a huge priority given their dearth of draft picks. Most of the Ram picks are going to be 3rd day picks. That means any OL there will be at least a one year project player. DB, RB and perhaps TE are the better picks who are more likely to contribute during this season.

Last season was an aberration due to massive injuries that decimated this team. Their pressing needs are at DE and QB2. DE can be addressed in FA or the draft. The same can be said about QB2.

Sam Darnold is an interesting option at QB2 but he's a 2 year project. His decision making and inconsistent mechanics need a complete overhaul. He has the arm and accuracy for McVay's offense but it ends there. They would be better off with Tanner if he drops. Of course they could sign Darnold as insurance and see who drops in the draft since it's 2 months away.

This team is closer than most realize. Make Jimmy Lake DC and if they have to they can play Donald at edge (DE) with Gaines and Brown inside with Hoecht and Hardy behind Donald and Floyd.

I really enjoy reading your bold and oftentimes outside-the-box posts, man. Thought provoking subjects intrigue me.

But I’ve gotta take issue on your take on Rams OL here.

Thomas has potential to be better than Corbett? Maybe. But that seems like quite an assumption when whole Rams O in ‘23 is predicated on having a solid OL. I need some solid evidence first before counting on him just yet.

Allen, imo, can no longer be our planned starter at OC. He has the heart of a lion but simply can’t stay healthy. That’s a deal breaker for me when building a solid OL upon which all O is based. Allen’s contract probably makes him uncuttable or untradable, but I would only plan on him as a backup this year (with fingers crossed) and to be released in ‘24. Sorry.

Shelton may well be their fallback plan for starting OC, but if a stud like this Schmitz kid should be there they might very well pounce At 36. And if they do I certainly feel that he could be the starting OC by October if not opening day.

Lastly, I am a big Boom fan, too, but it’s foolish to assume that he will suddenly have his first healthy year at LOT in ‘23. I think Rams will seek a FA or spend a draft pick for LOT for both insurance this year and for the long term plans.

All due respect, but I fear that your OL projections are too flimsy and there are far too drastic consequences in store if even one of your players fails to excel AND stay healthy. Allen, Thomas, and Boom are far too thin reeds to build SB plans upon. Imo, of course.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Depending on how the offseason and FA goes, I can see this team being 11-6 or 12-5 this year. Again health will be the primary issue. If they are serious this year they will upgrade QB2 either with Mayfield or at 36 in the draft.

If Snead can grab NgaKoue in FA that would be like adding another Miller on that defensive front. Upgrading QB2 is an absolute must and I don't mean with a well worn retread.

Thomas has the talent to be better than Corbett at OG. At center they have Allen and Shelton (a priority FA), both are underrated centers with Shelton the better OG than Allen. Add in Jackson and Bruss and they have potential at the other OG position. If Noteboom can return healthy, then Jackson has shown he can be a good LT.

This is why I don't think Snead sees the OL as a huge priority given their dearth of draft picks. Most of the Ram picks are going to be 3rd day picks. That means any OL there will be at least a one year project player. DB, RB and perhaps TE are the better picks who are more likely to contribute during this season.

Last season was an aberration due to massive injuries that decimated this team. Their pressing needs are at DE and QB2. DE can be addressed in FA or the draft. The same can be said about QB2.

Sam Darnold is an interesting option at QB2 but he's a 2 year project. His decision making and inconsistent mechanics need a complete overhaul. He has the arm and accuracy for McVay's offense but it ends there. They would be better off with Tanner if he drops. Of course they could sign Darnold as insurance and see who drops in the draft since it's 2 months away.

This team is closer than most realize. Make Jimmy Lake DC and if they have to they can play Donald at edge (DE) with Gaines and Brown inside with Hoecht and Hardy behind Donald and Floyd.

I don’t recall a player named Thomas at Offensive Guard. Maybe you mean Bruss? If you are talking about relying on a practice squad player to start, then that’s a lot of wishing and hoping to patch a vital role.

Allen absolutely cannot be relied on anymore. His knee is far too bad. Edwards concussions rule him out imo. Shelton is decent but I’d rather he was the G/C backup. Noteboom is too injury prone also and not a reliable option. Jackson should be the OLT if his medical condition is under control. So that leaves a whole lot of maybe in the interior Oline. Bruss didn’t impress last off-season. Neither did Edwards. But let’s say Bruss pans out. They still need a good and healthy center and Left Guard minimum. If Jackson can’t play then the Rams are in a lot of trouble on the Oline.

Backup QB is important yes, but a rookie isn’t the answer for a two year plan. Hard pass on Darnold. McVay couldn’t tolerate Goff’s mental lapses. He might kill Darnold after watching his. Hopefully a guy like Mike White is a real possibility.

I agree on RB. It’s a need. I think McVay will want to move on from Akers.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I don’t recall a player named Thomas at Offensive Guard. Maybe you mean Bruss? If you are talking about relying on a practice squad player to start, then that’s a lot of wishing and hoping to patch a vital role.

Zach Thomas

 

[Malibu]

I really enjoy reading your bold and oftentimes outside-the-box posts, man. Thought provoking subjects intrigue me.

But I’ve gotta take issue on your take on Rams OL here.

Thomas has potential to be better than Corbett? Maybe. But that seems like quite an assumption when whole Rams O in ‘23 is predicated on having a solid OL. I need some solid evidence first before counting on him just yet.

Allen, imo, can no longer be our planned starter at OC. He has the heart of a lion but simply can’t stay healthy. That’s a deal breaker for me when building a solid OL upon which all O is based. Allen’s contract probably makes him uncuttable or untradable, but I would only plan on him as a backup this year (with fingers crossed) and to be released in ‘24. Sorry.

Shelton may well be their fallback plan for starting OC, but if a stud like this Schmitz kid should be there they might very well pounce At 36. And if they do I certainly feel that he could be the starting OC by October if not opening day.

Lastly, I am a big Boom fan, too, but it’s foolish to assume that he will suddenly have his first healthy year at LOT in ‘23. I think Rams will seek a FA or spend a draft pick for LOT for both insurance this year and for the long term plans.

All due respect, but I fear that your OL projections are too flimsy and there are far too drastic consequences in store if even one of your players fails to excel AND stay healthy. Allen, Thomas, and Boom are far too thin reeds to build SB plans upon. Imo, of course.

Got to agree here. Our OL was marginal and yes rotating so many guys in and out doesn't help for sure, but to think we are set at the current OL is fools gold. Boom was terrible I keep bringing up he gave up 5 sacks and 18 pressures in 5 games. Whit the previous year gave up 5 sacks and 20 pressures in 16 games at age 40.

We need a major upgrade at LT and either a upgrade at LG or C.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

So Ram writes a coherent, cognizant, clearly understandable post.

 

[PressureD41]

Here are my general predictions as of mid-February before FA much less draft.

McVay will take his sweet time and hire strong asst coaches at RB and for ST Coordinator. They will probably be on the younger side and great ‘teacher’ types.

The new asst coaches hired by McVay are gonna make his job much easier this year AND get much better results.

Mike White will follow LaFleur and be Rams experienced yet inexpensive backup QB.

Snead will do some serious restructuring of contracts and find money to not only keep Gay, Gaines, and Scott but enough will be left over for a decent and healthy FA Edge. Maybe an IOL, too.

AR stays and becomes a productive #2 WR this year. LaFleur will make sure of it.

Snead trades down from 36 and picks up a late 3rd or early 4th. Might trade down from 69, too, if he likes players still there later for him.

Depending on what Snead does in FA, Rams first three picks will be from following positions in some order, depending on who falls:

Edge
OL (either OC or OG)
LOT
TE (this could be my dark horse if Snead has a good FA)
CB
RB
S

I predict that Lake and Pleasant will have a large positive effect on reining in Morris’ tendencies for extreme soft zone schemes. Improved Edge and CB will make such a more aggressive tweak possible. The positive ripple effects of the Lake/Pleasant hire are impossible to overstate.

We may see dramatic improvements in Rochell, Lake, and Yeast as a result of superior coaching by these new hires. Again, the importance of this can’t be overstated.

Bottom line?

We’ll see a rejuvenated McVay that once again looks like a bit of a genius, an O putting up 28-30 ppg once again, and a Top 5 D.

IOW, a serious contender to get back to SB.

 

[Ram_Rally]

Rams trade for chase Young and sign Odell Beckham Jr.

Rams don't overhaul the offensive line but they do overhaul the secondary.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Not a prediction, just wishful thinking.
As you will notice, I've gone especially cheap for free agency since I don't wish to jeopardize our 2024 Comp picks value due to what free agents we will be losing of our own for 2023.
Prior to the draft, restructuring the Cooper Kupp contract gets us back to even CAP dollars.
I'm trading Leonard Floyd for a 3'rd rounder, Tyler Higbee for a 4'th, and Van Jefferson for a 5'th.

2023 Draft :

1 - N/A
2 Trade down for extra 3’rd - C John Michael-Schmitz, Mi.
3a - TE Luke Musgrave, Or. St. (traded down from higher 2’nd)
3b - S Sydney Brown, Il. (Floyd trade)
3c - CB Kyu Blu Kelly, Stan.
4 - DL Adetomiwa Adebawawore, N.W., or Cobie Turner, W.F.(Higbee trade)
5a - RB Roshon Johnson, Tx. (Van Jefferson trade)
5b - Edge Ochaun Mathis, Ne. (Comp)
5c - TE Noah Gindorff, N.D. St. (Comp)
6a - WR Elijah Higgins, Stan.
6b - CB Cameron Brown, Oh.St.
6c - S DeMarcco Hellams, Al.
6d - K Jake Moody, Mi. (Comp)
7 - OT Dalton Wagner, Ark.


Re-sign :

QB Baker Mayfield (4 years)
DT Greg Gaines (4 years)
CB Grant Haley (2 years)
WR/R Brandon Powell (2 years)
P Riley Dixon (1 year)
LS Matt Orzech (1 year)



Major Trade Addition:

Rams 2023 & 2024 1'st round draft picks for Edge Brian Burns or something less for another top young Edge. Must renegotiate a new long-term contract before signing.


2 Free Agent’s :

Edge RB D’Ernest Johnson (3 years)
WR OBj (1 year prove-it deal loaded with incentives)

 

[PARAM]

After a strong draft, the Rams win the Superbowl with a great offense and a strong defense. Finally Raheem Morris gets another head coaching gig and surprisingly Ram fans stage a protest. But it comes with a 3rd round comp pick in the 2024 draft and combined with the 4th round comp pick from Baker Mayfield signing a great deal with Tennessee, the Rams have a 1st, 2nd, two 3rds and two 4ths in the 2024 draft. Not a bad haul for the defending SB champs. Not enough? In a surprise move they trade Jalen Ramsey to Miami for a 2024 first round pick in 2024 and a 2nd in 2025 and Aaron Donald to Pittsburgh for a 1st and 2nd in 2024 and a 2nd in 2025 giving them three 1st round picks, two 2nds, two 3rds and two 4ths. The downside is Les Snead is suspended by the NFL for "nefarious dealings we haven't quite figured out yet" and the Rams end up using all those picks!!!

 

[PhillyRam]

They bite the bullet and deal Ramsey for a 23' 1st and a 24' 2nd...we give back a late rounder next yr.

Floyd is released with a post June 1st designation, clearing $15M. Allen is also released.

Kupp Restructures saving 10M

Robert Woods returns after his release....Robinson sticks for another yr.

Van Jefferson dealt for an early 4th

Taylor Heincke signs as a back up QB

OG Nate Herbig signs in FA, provides a young vet interior OL to compete for a job.

They add a quality edge rusher and young rising CB in FA.

They draft...

a CB in rd 1
The Minnesota C in rd 2...
TE in rd 3, WR & DT in rd 4
Then add DL/OL depth In the later rds. Throw in a RB and S as well.

 

[Neil039]

I think the Rams bring OBJ back, trade Akers and for a tackle. First pick in Second Round is RB.

Then again Bruss makes the Pro-Bowl.

 

[Riverumbbq]

The Rams will cut S Jordan Fuller, rejoice in his $2.7M CAP savings, then promptly re-sign him to a 1 year $1M dollar contract.