The 2024 Plan

[MadGoat]

Good point.

I don't have any idea what kind of comp pick that could bring back.

Gay and Mayfield both appear to be in the 6th round range.

 

[Ram65]

At this rate, it'll be called a transition year where we will tank. Sorry, we do not have the talent to make up for all the losses we have had if we continue to not add anyone of value. It is extremely rare for a team (doubt it's ever happened) to get my much better by relying solely on the draft to propel themselves into even just a playoff team. As much as I admire those that are being optimistic, we are in for a rough ride. The hope is that we find cheap young talent to add to our eventual spending spree in 24.

I'm not sure how to comment back.

I'm going to watch and enjoy the rebuilding process.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

I'm not sure how to comment back.

I'm going to watch and enjoy the rebuilding process.

I'm not criticizing your post or anything so please don't take it as that. I'm just giving my thoughts nothing more. The sorry part I mentioned is for all of us possibly watching our Rams go thru another tough year since ultimately we all want them to succeed every year. I too will enjoy watching the rebuilding process once it's under wayamd the season starts. I'm just setting my expectations low because we'll have a lot of young, new faces on our 2023 squad.

 

[Ram65]

I'm not criticizing your post or anything so please don't take it as that. I'm just giving my thoughts nothing more. The sorry part I mentioned is for all of us possibly watching our Rams go thru another tough year since ultimately we all want them to succeed every year. I too will enjoy watching the rebuilding process once it's under wayamd the season starts. I'm just setting my expectations low because we'll have a lot of young, new faces on our 2023 squad.

Then why quote my post?

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Then why quote my post?

Just adding my thoughts to it. Nothing more. If someone posts something that provokes a thought of mine, I quote the post that did it. Ok I shouldn't say provoke lol, but makes me think on that subject is more like it if that makes sense.

 

[PARAM]

Off the reservation. How about off the wall or all over the place?

If we only use the draft to replace the guys we lost, we aren't making the playoffs unless they absolutely nail the draft, which is highly unlikely. It's going to be a tough season if we go that route.

Nobody said anything about replacing the guys we lost with rookies. As I pointed out about the 2nd year guys who got playing time last year. Kendricks, Durant, Yeast, Bobby Brown, Ernest Brown, etc.

At this rate, it'll be called a transition year where we will tank. Sorry, we do not have the talent to make up for all the losses we have had if we continue to not add anyone of value. It is extremely rare for a team (doubt it's ever happened) to get my much better by relying solely on the draft to propel themselves into even just a playoff team. As much as I admire those that are being optimistic, we are in for a rough ride. The hope is that we find cheap young talent to add to our eventual spending spree in 24.

So if they make a couple of lower level free agents acquisitions, they can't be of value? Combined with a couple of rookies at positions that are easier acclimated to the NFL such as RB? Edge? LB?

Hell Seattle drafted 2 corners who helped them. One in the 4th round (#109) and one in the 5th round (#153). You're saying it can't be done when clearly it can.

Agree on the signings as wait and see but solely relying on the draft to propel us to even a playoff team is borderline delusional. I'd challenge anyone to find an example of that happening when the team has no 1st round picks. Also, when have we totally nailed the draft?

Nobody said, "rely solely on the draft". They will sign some free agents once the initial wave is over. And obviously there's a difference of opinion here about what determines a draft is "nailed". I pointed out in 2017 the Rams drafted Everett, Kupp, Johnson, Reynolds and Ebukam....all who helped the Rams in their rookie season as well as the next 3 seasons but you counter with, "LMAO". I didn't say they were all-pros, just that "they contributed".

Reynold? Lmao, no, Everett was just ok so no there too. Ebukam wasn't even resigned and seems to have had better years after leaving us. Were they ok contributors, yeah but definitely not people that moved the needle like crazy which is why they weren't re-signed. Kupp we obviously nailed. Sorry we'll need way more than that to even make the playoffs. I got a good laugh reading that though.

See above

No, we are talking about replacing starters with 1st year players. Rookies take TIME to develop into solid contributors. Are you telling me all these players came in year one and set the world on fire? That's why I'm laughing cuz that's what we'll need to be competitive with all the losses we've had. Of course they helped us win games, but their 1st year impacts were minimal. Also if they were all such great players, why oh why didn't we re-sign all of them? Guess we just have different definitions of "nailing" the draft. I don't expect 12-5 every year so please refrain from putting bullshit in my mouth to better your argument.

Again, nobody is talking about replacing all the lost starters with rookies. We have two second year CBs. Two second year safeties. Some 2nd year DL. All have had playing time as is the process of learning. And as I pointed out, there is proof rookies can help out, even start regardless of what round they're drafted.

Who the hell mentioned anything about keeping everyone? Man you are going way off the reserve on this one. I'm simply mentioning we lost quite a few solid players so a step back in wins is what I expect, not sure why that's so damn earth shattering. Prior to us losing players, I did mention I wanted to keep as many we could but I've also accepted what has happened and moved on. I've even mentioned multiple times, I'd be cheering my ass off to win and happy if we field a winning team because I just don't see it. Its painfully obvious the Rams are not focused on winning in 23 but reloading in 24 based on how we aren't using any cap space to sign anyone. Once again, not sure why saying we won't make the playoffs with a young ass team would shock anyone. Those young players like all young NFL players have to learn how to be pros and will have many "welcome to the NFL" moments from the opposition. Sorry if being realistic about expectations rubs ya the wrong way.

Well you didn't say you expected to keep anyone. It just sounded to me like you'd never seen the Rams lose the amount of starters they lost this off season. When in fact, they had. Almost every year. It's a process. Draft and develop. Add free agents. Trade for players. Keep churning the roster. I think you've been affected by the names that walked as in Ramsey and Wagner.

Realistic? Or doom and gloom in the first week of free agency? Nothing like over reacting long before the process is done.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Off the reservation. How about off the wall or all over the place?

Nobody said anything about replacing the guys we lost with rookies. As I pointed out about the 2nd year guys who got playing time last year. Kendricks, Durant, Yeast, Bobby Brown, Ernest Brown, etc.

So if they make a couple of lower level free agents acquisitions, they can't be of value? Combined with a couple of rookies at positions that are easier acclimated to the NFL such as RB? Edge? LB?

Hell Seattle drafted 2 corners who helped them. One in the 4th round (#109) and one in the 5th round (#153). You're saying it can't be done when clearly it can.

Nobody said, "rely solely on the draft". They will sign some free agents once the initial wave is over. And obviously there's a difference of opinion here about what determines a draft is "nailed". I pointed out in 2017 the Rams drafted Everett, Kupp, Johnson, Reynolds and Ebukam....all who helped the Rams in their rookie season as well as the next 3 seasons but you counter with, "LMAO". I didn't say they were all-pros, just that "they contributed".

See above

Again, nobody is talking about replacing all the lost starters with rookies. We have two second year CBs. Two second year safeties. Some 2nd year DL. All have had playing time as is the process of learning.

Well you didn't say you expected to keep anyone. It just sounded to me like you'd never seen the Rams lose the amount of starters they lost this off season. When in fact, they had. Almost every year. It's a process. Draft and develop. Add free agents. Trade for players. Keep churning the roster. I think you've been affected by the names that walked as in Ramsey and Wagner.

Realistic? Or doom and gloom in the first week of free agency? Nothing like over reacting long before the process is done.

Man, I hope you didn't malfunction all the letters on your phone or keyboard lol.......the 2nd year guys are being asked a lot and in no way can replace full time starters since they weren't even full time starters themselves so there will be growing pains there too. I also said at this rate which refers to us not signing anyone to date because we haven't. Ebukam had 2 sacks his rookie year in 2 starts, Everett started 2 games and had 16 rec, 244 yds, 2 TDs, and Reynolds started 1 game, 11 rec, 104 yds, 1 TD. John Johnson and Kupp were the only rookies who we hit on that added immediate impact which is why I laughed at nailing the draft when talking about 2023. We are going to ask really young players to step up to the plate to cover our losses which is a really tough task. Telling me about Seattle nailing the draft doesn't do much cuz that's Seattle doing it, not us. Also if you think my comments are doom and gloom, they aren't. I've stated multiple times that it can change. However we are not signing anyone so I have to go off how the team is currently constructed. To me, it seems like we are loading up for 2024 because those 2nd year players will either rise to the occasion or not plus we add young rookies who may or may not show promise. That allows the Rams to identify areas they can really improve upon for 2024 when we are loaded with cap. In order to do that, we are going to have to go thru some tough moments and honestly, it's the best route forward that makes sense based on how the Rams have operated this off-season.

 

[PARAM]

Man, I hope you didn't malfunction all the letters on your phone or keyboard lol.......the 2nd year guys are being asked a lot and in no way can replace full time starters since they weren't even full time starters themselves so there will be growing pains there too. I also said at this rate which refers to us not signing anyone to date because we haven't. Ebukam had 2 sacks his rookie year in 2 starts, Everett started 2 games and had 16 rec, 244 yds, 2 TDs, and Reynolds started 1 game, 11 rec, 104 yds, 1 TD. John Johnson and Kupp were the only rookies who we hit on that added immediate impact which is why I laughed at nailing the draft when talking about 2023. We are going to ask really young players to step up to the plate to cover our losses which is a really tough task. Telling me about Seattle nailing the draft doesn't do much cuz that's Seattle doing it, not us. Also if you think my comments are doom and gloom, they aren't. I've stated multiple times that it can change. However we are not signing anyone so I have to go off how the team is currently constructed. To me, it seems like we are loading up for 2024 because those 2nd year players will either rise to the occasion or not plus we add young rookies who may or may not show promise. That allows the Rams to identify areas they can really improve upon for 2024 when we are loaded with cap. In order to do that, we are going to have to go thru some tough moments and honestly, it's the best route forward that makes sense based on how the Rams have operated this off-season.

So as you pointed out, Snead has hit on rookies who had immediate impact. But you're sure, no way he'll do it again, eh?

And then you say, "2nd year guys are being asked a lot and in no way can replace full time starters since they weren't even full time starters themselves". What???? That's kinda weird reasoning isn't it. So you have to be a full time starter to replace a full time starter? But it's likely you won't be a starter your rookie year. What? That's double talk!! So a couple of rookies who played decent in place of guys who were injured are now being asked to be full time starters and that's asking too much? Isn't that the process? If you're not a stud starter, learn in your rookie year so you earn being a starter in year 2? I'm really not getting your reasoning here. It almost seems the Rams planned ahead for some of these eventualities, drafting 2 CBs and 2 safeties last year. They also got a G, a RB, an Edge and a T last year. And being the shrewd businessmen they are, they grabbed a 6th round OT from the Bears practice squad last year as well as an UDFA CB off of the Browns practice squad.

I don't know. I'm just a fan. But it seems to me there has been some pre-planning by the Rams. And we haven't even gone through free agency fully. They've got 10 mil in space and that may afford them some free agents. As well as 11 picks in the draft 3 way higher than they took their first pick last year. In fact, they had only 1 pick the last two years in the first 100 picks and this year they have 3. I think McSnead might use that to their advantage.

But we lost Ramsey, Wagner and Floyd so some are going to have doubts. Until proven otherwise. That's a prerogative. And btw, we are setting ourselves up for 2024 but that doesn't mean 2023 is going to be a wash. Hey Chapo, we're both die hard Ram fans so it's all good. You doubt right now, I'm not so worried. Lets enjoy watching it play out!

 

[El Chapo Jr]

So as you pointed out, Snead has hit on rookies who had immediate impact. But you're sure, no way he'll do it again, eh?

And then you say, "2nd year guys are being asked a lot and in no way can replace full time starters since they weren't even full time starters themselves". What???? That's kinda weird reasoning isn't it. So you have to be a full time starter to replace a full time starter? But it's likely you won't be a starter your rookie year. What? That's double talk!! So a couple of rookies who played decent in place of guys who were injured are now being asked to be full time starters and that's asking too much? Isn't that the process? If you're not a stud starter, learn in your rookie year so you earn being a starter in year 2? I'm really not getting your reasoning here. It almost seems the Rams planned ahead for some of these eventualities, drafting 2 CBs and 2 safeties last year. They also got a G, a RB, an Edge and a T last year. And being the shrewd businessmen they are, they grabbed a 6th round OT from the Bears practice squad last year as well as an UDFA CB off of the Browns practice squad.

I don't know. I'm just a fan. But it seems to me there has been some pre-planning by the Rams. And we haven't even gone through free agency fully. They've got 10 mil in space and that may afford them some free agents. As well as 11 picks in the draft 3 way higher than they took their first pick last year. In fact, they had only 1 pick the last two years in the first 100 picks. And this year they have 3.

You are missing the whole point but you have been the whole time so I guess I can't be too surprised. I think you just like to argue. I'll indulge you though since I'm a people pleaser ar times hahaha......2 rookies that contribute is not going to be enough to replace our losses as we have a shit ton of holes. Not sure how my talking about 2nd year starters is double talk. Playing more snaps in a season is much different from spot starting. They get beat up for a whole season vs a couple of games so yeah, it's an adjustment of sorts. An example I'll give is, has Durant ever been the #1 CB? No he hasn't and there is a difference between defending a #2 WR vs #1 WR. Brown hasn't even played a full season yet either. Also the money we have for this year is just enough to sign our eventual rookie class so I don't know who you expect us to sign.

 

[Kupped]

I think the Rams will be able to be closer to "decent" than maybe some here are thinking? Maybe I'm being way too optimistic.
Let's do some "best case scenarios"....

Oline.. is primarily healthy. And brings in one rookie capable of starting somewhere on the Interior. And they bring back Nsekhe on a cheap deal.
You'd have a functional line. I'd be drafting a Center, for sure.
Akers builds on last year AND you draft at least one 3-down RB type and hit on it.

So.. there's a functional and robust running game, most likely.

Stafford and Kupp stay healthy. You keep those two healthy, you probably already have enough talent to be functional with what we saw out of Skow and Tutu late in the season. You'll also have to commit to using Robinson differently.. unless you somehow move him.

Higbee is healthy.. Hunter Long is a guy ready to contribute in year 3 and they draft someone in mid-rounds who blows Hopkins away and kicks him off roster.

You nail your kicker and punter acquisitions.

Bobby Brown steps up on D line.. Copeland is re-signed... A rookie mid-rounder contributes.. and you bring in a dirt-cheap vet who does just enough. Maybe Jonah Williams does something. Maybe Larell Murchison can play.

Hoecht drops some LBs.. works his ass off learning how to set the edge.. and becomes a functional OLB in this defense. You bring in a low-cost Vet.. you draft an edge in the first three rounds.. you hope Hardy and Thomas grow.

Ernest Jones continues to grow.. and a 2nd LB emerges.

Jordan Fuller is healthy.
Durant keeps growing and isn't a liability in run game.
Grant Haley plays the way he was playing before he got hurt last year.
Rochell figures it out.
You draft at least one corner... AT LEAST.

Yeast and Lake are legitimate NFL players.

If everything goes right??? They can make the playoffs, imo. But not come close to a division title.
If most of that goes right? They can eke out a winning record.
If most of that doesn't happen? It'll be a rough year.

 

[PARAM]

You are missing the whole point but you have been the whole time so I guess I can't be too surprised. I think you just like to argue. I'll indulge you though since I'm a people pleaser ar times hahaha......2 rookies that contribute is not going to be enough to replace our losses as we have a shit ton of holes. Not sure how my talking about 2nd year started is double talk. Playing more snaps in a season is much different from spot starting. They get beat up for a whole season vs a couple of games so yeah, it's an adjustment of sorts. An example I'll give is, has Durant ever been the #1 CB? No he hasn't and there is a difference between defending a #2 WR vs #1 WR. Also the money we have for this year is just enough to sign our eventual rookie class so I don't know who you expect us to sign.

Like I said in my previous post (as I added some editing you probably didn't see). It's all good. You're a diehard Ram fan as I am. You're doubting right now. Me not so much. I liked what I saw from Durant and Kendricks. You might not have. But then I've been arguing Noteboom's case all season and am in the minority. I don't think it's rocket science. They seemed to have drafted last year for potential needs this year. Makes sense. Will it play out? We'll see. But surely they are eyeing 2024 as THE year. What is interesting is, if some of the guys they drafted last year from the group of Durant, Kendricks, Lake and Yeast, develop they are going to be ahead of things in 2024 with a shitload of cap space. My hope is they spend their first pick on QB pressure. That doesn't mean it has to be edge. It could be that Donald clone from Pitt. If not, then by all means the best Edge sitting there at #36. I'd also like a beast RB (Kendre Miller, Rochon Johnson, etc) and a TE. Or a C in one of the first 3 spots. It can be done.

EDIT: And for what it's worth, I like to discuss. Sometimes it's debate. Sometimes it ends up in argument. As long as it's civil and we remember we're all Ram fans, it's all good. I try, though I don't always succeed. My apologies in that case.

 

[El Chapo Jr]

Like I said in my previous post as I added some editing. It's all good. You're a diehard Ram fan as I am. You're doubting right now. Me not so much. I liked what I saw from Durant and Kendricks. You might not have. But then I've been arguing Noteboom's case all season and am in the minority. I don't think it's rocket science. They seemed to have drafted last year for potential needs this year. Makes sense. Will it play out? We'll see. But surely they are eyeing 2024 as THE year. What is interesting is, if some of the guys they drafted last year from the group of Durant, Kendricks, Lake and Yeast, develop they are going to be ahead of things in 2024 with a shitload of cap space. My hope is they spend their first pick on QB pressure. That doesn't mean it has to be edge. It could be that Donald clone from Pitt. If not, then by all means the best Edge sitting there at #36. I'd also like a beast RB (Kendre Miller, Rochon Johnson, etc) and a TE. Or a C in one of the first 3 spots. It can be done.

That's why I keep saying some are more optimistic than me. I don't think Kendricks is that good since he has speed limitations but if he can get faster, that'll help. Noteboom scares me because he just can't stay healthy. You are correct that they are eyeing 24 as the year to push in those chips which is why I'm saying we won't be as good next year since we have a lot of holes to fill with limited money and draft capital. Cheers to you my fellow Rams fan, I never mind a good ol fashioned debate about our Rams!

 

[PARAM]

What is interesting is the number of UFA's after this season with respect to who's on the squad right now. Undoubtedly they may sign a few UFA's to one year deals after the draft.

Fuller
Akers
Jefferson
Hopkins
Anchrum
Murchison
AJ Jackson
Hoecht
J. Williams
Rozeboom
E. Brown
Z. Thomas
Rivers
Jolly

14 and probably not a comp pick among them! I joke of course.

 

[Memento]

What is interesting is the number of UFA's after this season with respect to who's on the squad right now. Undoubtedly they may sign a few UFA's to one year deals after the draft.

Fuller
Akers
Jefferson
Hopkins
Anchrum
Murchison
AJ Jackson
Hoecht
J. Williams
Rozeboom
E. Brown
Z. Thomas
Rivers
Jolly

14 and probably not a comp pick among them! I joke of course.

I'd sign A-Jax, Hoecht, Murchison, Rozeboom, and EB4 out of those players.