The Los Angeles Rams have done well up to this point in the offseason to address all of their immediate needs before the draft. Now, the front office can focus on adding depth and focusing on future needs. With positions such as cornerback and special teams already addressed, here are the biggest needs for the Rams following the first wave of free agency.
1. Backup Quarterback
You know that the Rams are in a good spot when the biggest need remaining on the roster after the first wave of free agency is a backup quarterback. Some teams are still trying to find legitimate starters at valuable positions while the biggest concern for the Rams right now is their backup quarterback.
It’s very possible that the Rams could bring back Jimmy Garoppolo. After Garoppolo’s deal with the Arizona Cardinals fell through, it’s surprising that something hasn’t been done to get him back in Los Angeles. The Rams may simply wait things out to to see where Garoppolo’s market develops. They may also be looking at the draft that has names such as Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Cole Payton, and Drew Allar as players who could back up Stafford and develop.
2. Swing Tackle
Again, you know that the Rams are in a good spot when one of the biggest needs on the roster in a backup tackle. While they re-signed David Quessenberry before free agency began, that has a DJ Humphries situation written all over it. Quessenberry played behind Humphries last year and that was after he got dominated by Jared Verse and co. in the NFC Playoffs the year before as a backup.
Much like the backup quarterback situation, the Rams could look to address this position in the draft. Quessenberry provides some experience, but the Rams would be best to also draft a player at the position in the middle rounds. They need a player who can play both tackle spots in a pinch and potentially slide inside if needed. If the Rams lack depth at one spot in particular, it’s that sixth-man on the offensive line.
3. Slot Cornerback
Over the course of the same day, the Rams lost both Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary in free agency. Those were two players that the Rams could play in the slot, but also had versatility to play outside. While the Rams have Quentin Lake to play the slot, that shouldn’t be his primary responsibility as a safety. Trent McDuffie can play in the slot, but the Rams didn’t pay him $30 million to do that.
The good news here is that this is a good slot cornerback draft. This is a position that the Rams should be able to address in April. A player like D’Angelo Ponds would make a lot of sense in the second round. Ponds has inside-out versatility, but may be better in the slot at the next level. There are several other players that could be considered as well. Adding a slot cornerback to give Lake flexibility and maximize McDuffie’s value will be a need in the draft.
HM: Third Wide Receiver
If the Rams were in on AJ Brown, it should be a sign that they are not content with who they have behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. They still need an upgrade over Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield. Whittington has been fine, but is more of a special teams and gadget player than a full-time contributor. His role is similar to Ben Skowronek’s. Mumpfield has been everything that could be asked from a seventh-round pick, but his lack of size causes issues at the catch point.
It would not be surprising to see the Rams address the wide receiver position within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. The current third wide receiver spot behind Adams and Nacua is the perfect place to put a rookie with potential. Players in the draft such as Omar Cooper Jr., Skyler Bell, and others would be perfect for this role.
