The Los Angeles Rams made a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. All they need was 14 points to win the championship and couldn’t do it. That tells you everything you need to know about the Rams. Jared Goff is an overhyped fraud (who is also a giant softy) who is propped up by Sean McVay. That’s the stone cold truth. The rest of the roster is still really strong which keeps them at a high level. Can the Rams repeat as NFC West champs? Let’s take a look at the Los Angeles Rams to see what else we should monitor as they get set to open up training camp!
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Tight End: Gerald Everett, Tyler Higbee, Kendall Blanton
It feels like we have been doing the same song and dance with Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee forever. Neither guy wants to grab the job. Honestly, they probably do just enough to keep their roster spot. That’s about it. I can’t remember the last time either guy did anything impressive in the NFL. One of these years one of them will take the leap.
Safety: Eric Weddle, Taylor Rapp
Here is a good one. Who is going to win the job? Eric Weddle, the feisty veteran who always seems to be in the right spot. Will it be Taylor Rapp? The rookie from the University of Washington. Rapp was a 2nd round pick. Do you really want to bench him? What about Weddle? Do you really want to bench a player you just gave $10.5 million to? All I know is John Johnson is electric and his job is safe.
Nickel: David Long, Nickel Robey-Coleman, Troy Hill
Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib are locked in as starters. The nickel corner job is still up for grabs. Nickel Robey-Coleman was the hero (but shouldn’t have been) when he tackled the receiver in the playoff game against the Saints. You know what I’m talking about. If the refs don’t swallow their whistles, this battle may look entirely different. David Long is a player I liked a lot at Michigan. Long had a terrific combine and was a nightmare for opposing receivers in college. I was shocked to see him fall down the boards on draft night.
Ready To Breakout: Cory Littleton
A year ago, I thought the Rams were screwed defensively. They let Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron go. They really didn’t replace them either. Cory Littleton stepped up as a former undrafted player and carved out a starting gig. Littleton recorded 125 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Littleton saved their season. How much better can he get? Littleton, 25, now gets to play next to Clay Matthews. Another leap could be on the way.
Rookie To Watch: Greg Gaines
Greg Gaines just looks like Kyle Williams. I was impressed by Gaines’ ability to create leverage and eat up the middle of the defense. I thought this was an interesting pick by the Rams. Can Gaines gobble up enough bodies in the middle to make life even easier for Aaron Donald? Can you imagine this pairing if Gaines turns into Kyle Williams?
Fantasy Sleeper: Darrell Henderson
Todd Gurley has arthritis in his knee. I don’t think anybody knows for sure whether Gurley will be 100 percent ready to go this upcoming season. Darrell Henderson is a worthy replacement. The Rams called Henderson their version of Alvin Kamara. If that doesn’t get your panties bunch up and jumping, then I don’t know what does. Henderson is a stud. I’m just curious to see how many touches he gets each week.
