SoFi Stadium is nearing completion, as this aerial tour shows.
Morale among Rams fans is probably pretty low after the team missed the playoffs this season, finishing with an unimpressive 9-7 record after making the Super Bowl a year ago. However, there is one big thing to look forward to in 2020: a brand new stadium in Inglewood.
SoFi Stadium is 85% complete, according to the Rams, and is set to open this summer. The Rams will move into the new venue for next season, sharing it with the Chargers. As the newest stadium in the NFL – along with the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas – it’s going to be a state-of-the-art stadium for the two Los Angeles teams.
John Kay, who frequently shares videos of SoFi Stadium’s progress, posted a new video to his YouTube channel recently showing aerial shots of the stadium. It gives a glimpse at the 360-degree video board, the NFL offices going up next door and the swooping canopy around SoFi Stadium.
On Tuesday, Kay shared another video shot by himself near the grounds of SoFi Stadium. Construction workers can be seen on the roof, cranes are moving pieces into place, and Kay shows where the American Airlines Plaza will be located.
The Rams called the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum home for the last four years after moving back to the West Coast from St. Louis, but they’re undoubtedly ready for a new place to play their home games.
Taylor Rapp wasn’t named an All-Rookie at safety by the PFWA.
The Los Angeles Rams haven’t made a first-round pick since Jared Goff was taken No. 1 overall in 2016, and they aren’t slated to pick in the top 32 again until 2022 (barring possible trades). As a result, their draft classes haven’t typically been impactful in Year 1. That was certainly the case in 2018 when John Franklin-Myers was really the only one to play meaningful snaps.
This past season, the Rams got contributions from a bunch of rookies, led by Taylor Rapp, Bobby Evans and David Edwards. But for the second straight year, the Rams were shut out from the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team. They didn’t have a single player selected, with Rapp being the only legitimate candidate.
At safety, the PFWA selected Darnell Savage of the Packers and Juan Thornhill of the Chiefs.
The last time the Rams had a representative on the All-Rookie Team was in 2017 when Cooper Kupp was selected. In 2015, Todd Gurley and Rob Havenstein were honored. And the year before that, Tre Mason, Aaron Donald and E.J. Gaines made the All-Rookie Team.
In fact, since 2010, the Rams have had 12 players selected by the PFWA. From 2012-2015, multiple Rams players were named All-Rookies in each of those three seasons.
It’s difficult to find impactful rookies when you don’t have a first-round pick, but the Rams are making the most of their situation. They have promising young players entering Year 2 with Rapp, Darrell Henderson, Evans, Edwards and David Long Jr.
The Rams have the talent to be a Super Bowl team, but they must put it all together.
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
After reaching Super Bowl LIII last February, the Los Angeles Rams regressed and became just an average team in 2019. The offense wasn’t close to what it was in 2018, while the defense found absolutely no consistency.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for the Rams, though. There are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the 2020 season, even after they went just 9-7 this past year.
The Rams have the potential to be a Super Bowl contender next season if their top players perform up to expectations, and if the front office is able to replace potential departures in free agency.
Here are five reasons for hope for the Rams in 2020.
Jared Goff showed he can be a top QB in 2018
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
There were a number of factors that led to Goff’s disappointing 2019 season. His offensive line was constantly undergoing changes due to injury and it struggled all year long. The Rams’ running game was almost non-existent, partly due to Todd Gurley’s reduced workload and his ineffectiveness in most games.
Goff, himself, deserves plenty of blame for the way he played, too, but he’s also shown he can be a top quarterback before. In 2018, he was an MVP candidate until the Rams’ Week 12 bye, after which he regressed. In the first 11 games of that season, he threw 26 touchdown passes and six interceptions with a passer rating of 113.5.
If he returns to that level of play in 2020, the Rams will look more like the team that made it to the Super Bowl than the one that missed the playoffs. A lot of their success hinges on Goff, and while his 2019 campaign was concerning, his 2018 season is reason for hope.
If the Rams can’t extend Dante Fowler Jr. long-term, they could tag and trade him.
Navigating the waters of free agency this year could prove difficult for the Los Angeles Rams, who not only have several players on expiring contracts, but also a lack of spending money available to keep them all.
As a result, the team – specifically the defense – could look very different in 2020. Dante Fowler Jr., Cory Littleton and Michael Brockers are three of the Rams’ biggest free agents, and it’s possible all three will be playing elsewhere next season. Sure, Los Angeles could get compensatory picks in the 2021 draft for losing them, but there’s another way the team can get compensated for one of those players.
As we saw last year with three edge rushers, the tag-and-trade route is one approach that can prove to be effective in getting a draft pick (or two) in return for a player bound to leave in free agency. In 2019 alone, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford and Frank Clark were all franchise tagged and then traded by their respective teams.
After looking at those trades, it’s hard not to imagine the Rams taking a similar path with Fowler. He doesn’t have the track record that Clark had, posting 32 sacks in the three years before being dealt. Fowler also doesn’t have the versatility or potential that Clowney had when he was with the Texans. He’s probably closer to Ford, but two and a half years younger at the time of hitting free agency.
So, could the Rams tag Fowler and trade him to a team willing to give up a draft pick or two? Absolutely, especially with the price difference between a defensive end and linebacker, which will make Fowler’s one-year tag much cheaper than it could have been if he were playing defensive end.
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
According to Over The Cap, the projected franchise tag value for a DE is $19.32 million. For a linebacker, which Fowler technically is, it’s $16.27 million. Considering the Rams gave Fowler a one-year, $14 million deal last year after he only had four sacks in 2018, it’s absolutely reasonable to think a team would be willing to pay him $16.27 million for the 2020 season.
Because he’s only 25 and won’t turn 26 until August, Fowler is still entering his prime. He posted a career-high 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits this past season, proving to be the player the Rams thought he’d become when they extended him last offseason.
A player with those numbers is going to be coveted on the free-agent market, so it’s likely a team would be willing to part with a second- or third-round pick in a tag-and-trade scenario.
That would also give the team trading for Fowler the ability to negotiate a long-term deal with him, too – assuming the trade happens before the July 15 franchise tender deadline.
Ford and Clark both did, but Clowney’s trade came in September, so the Seahawks only got him for one season. Ford’s extension with the 49ers was worth $85 million for five years, while Clark’s was for $105.5 million over five years.
Fowler’s value is probably going to be somewhere in the range of $16 million per year, which after seeing the contracts Ford and Clark got, doesn’t seem like an inflated price. It’s also one a team will absolutely be willing to pay.
The Rams adding a second- or third-round pick would be a huge help for their draft haul, since they don’t have a first-rounder in 2020 (or 2021). It would give them another top-100 selection, and allow them added flexibility if they want to move up from their first selection at No. 52.
If they begin to realize they can’t afford Fowler, there’s no question they should consider tagging him and trading him elsewhere.
David Edwards described his rookie season as “crazy.”
After two years of starting mostly the same offensive line up front, the Los Angeles Rams made several changes to the unit in 2019. Out were John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold, and in came Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom at center and left guard, respectively.
That plan went awry when both players suffered season-ending injuries. Rookie David Edwards, who only played tackle in college, was then asked to step in at left guard in place of Noteboom. Not long thereafter, Austin Blythe slid over from right guard to center, which caused Edwards to switch from left guard to right guard.
For a guy who only played tackle at Wisconsin, this wasn’t how he expected his rookie season to go. In a Q&A for the team’s official site, Edwards was asked how he would describe his first year in the NFL.
“In one word? Crazy. I came in and started cross-training in different positions. That was totally new to me,” he said. “And then when Joe Noteboom got hurt, I got thrown in at left guard and never expected I would start games at guard, because I never played the position before. And then got moved to right guard. Just all the different things I did this year I never would have thought I could have done. So, it was cool. Looking back, if you had told me, preseason, you’re going to start games at guard, I’d have said no way. I’d never played it before. It was just really cool to be cross-training when I got here in OTAs and then see the work that I put in come to fruition. It was cool.”
Edwards said he’s “excited to be able to have an offseason at guard, learn that position,” which is interesting considering there isn’t much clarity on where he (or many of the Rams’ offensive linemen) will play in 2020.
It’s possible Edwards will remain at guard, or if the team makes changes at either tackle spot, he could kick back outside to his original position.
The Rams should have an eye on these eight prospects in the national championship game between LSU and Clemson.
The Los Angeles Rams are once again without a first-round pick in the draft, but they should have a close eye on the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night. Both LSU and Clemson are stockpiled with NFL prospects, and not just ones set to go in the first 32 picks, either.
Here are eight names for Rams fans to watch in the title game tonight, beginning with the LSU Tigers.
LSU
LSU DL Rashard Lawrence
Lawrence is a versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple spots up front. The Rams may not bring back Michael Brockers, which would leave a hole at defensive end. Lawrence probably fits better as a 1- or 3-technique, but his versatility would give the Rams options. What he lacks is length, though, which is important for a defensive end in a 3-4 front.
LSU LB Michael Divinity Jr.
Divinity can play off the ball or rush the passer off the edge, though he probably fits better as the latter at the next level. The Rams need edge rushers with Dante Fowler Jr. hitting free agency, and if Divinity can be had late on Day 2 or on Day 3, he’d be a worthwhile addition to the defense. Keep an eye on him Monday night, particularly his pass-rush technique opposite K’Lavon Chaisson.
LSU OL Lloyd Cushenberry
Cushenberry plays center, but he’d be able to play any of the interior spots in the NFL. That’s exactly where the Rams could use some help with plenty to be determined at those spots in 2020. He’s not a polished prospect, but Cushenberry has potential as an NFL lineman at either guard or center.
LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson is as athletic as pass rushers come, but just as Danielle Hunter was somewhat raw coming out of LSU, so is Chaisson. That won’t preclude a team from taking him in the first or second round, and the Rams could have some interest on Day 2. Chaisson may not rack up the sacks tonight, but watch how often he gets near Trevor Lawrence.
LSU LT Saahdiq Charles
Charles will be viewed as one of the top tackle prospects in the draft this year, but he could be available in the second round for the Rams. As a potential replacement for Andrew Whitworth, Charles fits well. Though not as big as Whitworth, he’s a good athlete who can move on outside runs.
Luke Easterling’s latest mock draft has the Rams taking a running back in the 4th round.
Looking at the depth chart, it would appear the Los Angeles Rams don’t need any help at running back. And in reality, they don’t. With Todd Gurley entrenched as the starter and both Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson Jr. backing him up, the Rams have both top-end talent and good depth at the position.
But when you look deeper at the situation, you could make the case that adding a running back in the 2020 draft would be reasonable. Gurley is coming off his worst season since 2016 and had his role reduced significantly, while Brown could be cut to save $1.1 million.
It’s possible the Rams trade Gurley this offseason to rid themselves of his massive contract and open the door for Henderson, the team’s third-round pick in 2019, to contribute more than he did this past season. More than likely, they’ll keep him, but in this new four-round mock draft by Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, the Rams add some insurance just in case.
Here’s how the four rounds broke down:
52. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
84. Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
116. Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Jones fills a potential need at left tackle with Andrew Whitworth’s contract expiring this offseason. He’d join a group of players vying for that job in 2020, including Joseph Noteboom, Bobby Evans and possibly even David Edwards.
Fotu wouldn’t be a Day 1 starter at nose tackle, given the Rams’ depth at the spot with Sebastian Joseph-Day and Greg Gaines. But at his size (6-5, 335 pounds) with his movement skills, Fotu would be tough to pass up in the third round.
Finally, there’s Moss, another Utah Ute selected by the Rams in this projection. He’s not a big back, standing at 5-foot-10, 222 pounds, but he is shifty and quick in the hole. He’s also a capable receiver and blocker, which are two things the Rams like in their backs.
However, how much value would he really add to the depth chart? Even if the Rams move on from Gurley, Henderson and Brown would be more than capable of handling the load, with John Kelly also mixing in.
The Rams may not be able to retain Joe Barry after hiring Brandon Staley to replace Wade Phillips.
After the Rams let Wade Phillips’ contract expire without re-upping it, the search for a replacement began. It was the first time Sean McVay had to replace his defensive coordinator, whom he hired when he first got the Rams job in 2017.
Considering how often McVay has promoted from within, Joe Barry and Aubrey Pleasant were both seen as strong candidates for the defensive coordinator job. McVay met with Barry about the position, but he decided to go in a different direction with Brandon Staley.
Now, keeping Barry on the staff as the team’s linebackers coach and assistant head coach could prove to be difficult for McVay. That’s because he’s in contention for USC’s defensive coordinator opening, which could be viewed as a career advancement for Barry.
Barry went to USC where he played linebacker, and also worked as their linebackers coach in 2010. He began his coaching career with the Trojans as a graduate assistant from 1994-1995, so he certainly has a history at USC.
It hasn’t yet been reported that Barry has been offered the job, or that he’s even the frontrunner. But there also hasn’t been much noise out of USC about any other candidates in Clay Helton’s search for his next DC.
Barry is an important coach for the Rams and someone they should fight hard to keep. He’s helped develop Cory Littleton into a terrific linebacker, one who’s going to cash in this offseason as a free agent. Having Barry on the staff could potentially sway Littleton’s decision in March, too.
That’s not to say the Rams wouldn’t be able to replace Barry, but they should make a concerted effort to keep him on their staff. Keeping him away from the school he played for and coached at for several years could be difficult, though.
Jared Goff will miss Wade Phillips, John Fassell and Skip Peete, but he’s also excited about the future.
Sean McVay and the Rams aren’t unfamiliar with losing coaches. They watched Greg Olson, Matt LaFleur and Zac Taylor all leave in the last two offseasons, becoming either offensive coordinators or head coaches elsewhere.
What they’re not completely used to is choosing to move on from coaches. They moved on from Wade Phillips and running backs coach Skip Peete this offseason, also losing John Fassel – who’s contract was up – to the Dallas Cowboys.
McVay has begun tweaking his staff, hiring Kevin O’Connell as his offensive coordinator and Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator to replace Phillips. Jared Goff is sad to see Phillips, Fassel and Peete go, but at the same time, he’s excited about the future with the new coaches coming in.
“You love what Wade did for us. You can’t ever look past that,” Goff said, via the Los Angeles Times. “You’re so grateful for what he did. And losing Bones is tough, and Skip. … But it is exciting. You see the fresh faces.”
The hire that affects Goff the most is O’Connell, who joins the Rams staff after being the Redskins’ offensive coordinator in 2019. Like Zac Robinson, who’s also a Rams assistant, O’Connell is a former NFL quarterback who was drafted by the Patriots.
Goff is looking forward to working with him and getting his perspective on things.
“Adding a guy like him — he can add a lot of value and add a lot perspective,” Goff said. “It will be great.”
The addition of O’Connell is easy to understand and doesn’t come with much risk. He most likely won’t call plays, but he can help McVay the way LaFleur did in 2017. It’ll also allow Shane Waldron (quarterbacks coach) and Aaron Kromer (O-line coach) to focus on their position groups rather than also being co-coordinators.
However, with Staley replacing Phillips, McVay is taking a chance on a coach who’s never been a coordinator. That doesn’t make Staley unqualified, but it’s quite the change going from a 72-year-old legend like Phillips to a 37-year-old outside linebackers coach with Staley.
“I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Goff said.
Tyler Higbee finished with the highest grade on offense of any Rams player.
The Los Angeles Rams have Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods on offense, but Pro Football Focus didn’t grade a single one of those players higher than Tyler Higbee in 2019.
Incredibly, with all the big names Los Angeles has on its offense, it was Higbee – who had 26 catches for 212 yards and one touchdown in the first 10 games of the season – with the highest grade PFF grade on the Rams offense this season.
He finished the year with an overall grade of 85.9, which was the third-highest by a Rams offensive player in the last three years. It was all thanks to his last five games of the season, which all came in December.
In those games, he caught 43 passes for 522 yards and two touchdowns. Thanks to that finish, Higbee not only ended the year with the highest grade on offense by a Rams player, but he posted the best season by a tight end in franchise history. His 69 catches and 734 yards are the most ever by a Rams tight end.
Higbee doesn’t necessarily get all the credit he should as a blocker, either. He was strong in that department this season, both in the running game and in pass protection. Against the Bears, he was asked to block Khalil Mack one-on-one a couple times and held his own in those situations.
As the Rams’ official site mentioned, Higbee’s receiving grade of 90.0 is what really pushed his performance over the top. He wasn’t a downfield threat, though. He gained a good chunk of his yards after the catch, gaining 396 yards with the ball in his hands.
According to PFF’s data, Higbee did the majority of his damage when targeted short, or 1-9 yards past the line of scrimmage, catching 46 of 52 yards for 394 yards and all three of his touchdowns in that range. He also was effective on screens, too, catching 12 of 13 targets for 111 yards with 142 yards after the catch when targeted behind the line of scrimmage.
Higbee received an extension last season and while it was met with confusion and some criticism, he’s making the Rams look wise for signing him when they did. In one month, he emerged as one of the most reliable tight ends in football.
