The Los Angeles Rams used the break between minicamp and training camp to make two significant additions to their roster; Ahkello Witherspoon and Demarcus Robinson. Witherspoon played the most snaps of any Rams defender and Robinson was a key weapon in the final push to make the playoffs.
When asked if the Rams were looking to do the same in this year’s break between camps, Sean McVay said the following;
“[It’s] probably a little bit different than last year’s approach, but what we will do is we’ll look at ‘all right where are we at right now’ understanding that there still are some limitations in regards to the evaluation process but ‘what are the resources that we have to be able to have the most competitive team going into camp. Probably not to that extent but to say that there wouldn’t be anything that could come up, I certainly would never say that. Because if we feel like, within our disciplined approach, we want to be able to take, if we can improve the football team then we will do that.”
Different Than Last Year’s Approach
The Rams were in a different position last season, the biggest was financially. Last season they had to wait until the dust had settled to find steals in free agency. This year the Rams were much more active in the first wave of free agency; picking up Jonah Jackson, Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White, Kamren Curl, and Jimmy Garoppolo as well as re-signing Robinson.
The Rams are a far more complete team at this point in the calendar than they were a year ago. The approach is different because the team is different.
But as Sean McVay says, if they can improve the team, they will.
Where the Los Angeles Rams Can Still Look to Improve
While they are under the cap, the Rams don’t have an unlimited budget to work with. According to Over The Cap, they have $8.6 million to work with. So as Sean McVay said, they will have to remain disciplined in their signings. And from a financial perspective, the first order of business is ensuring Matthew Stafford is content within his contract. But aside from that, the Rams have several areas of concern that could be addressed with smart cheap additions.
Defensive Line
The Los Angeles Rams have invested heavily through the draft over the last two years which has resulted in a stark lack of experience in the wake of Aaron Donald‘s retirement. As of right now, it looks like the Rams will start two rookie and two second-year players at four of the five starting spots.
Linebacker
In the event that Ernest Jones is injury, the Rams find themselves up a creek without a paddle. Not only is Jones the team’s only good linebacker, but he is also the defensive front’s most experienced player.
Jones missed one game due to injury last season and his absence was very apparent. Without Jones against Green Bay, the Rams gave up the third most yards and the most rushing yards of their 2023 season.
Defensive Back
For one you can’t have too many. Two the Rams need to build in a contingency plan if White doesn’t fully recover from his grade 3 Achilles tear.
