At the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams made a series of decisions that garnered nods of approval from fans and analysts alike. They strategically concentrated on enhancing their defensive lineup, recognizing the need for revitalized energy. However, the Rams’ draft strategy didn’t end there; they also secured a promising running back poised to divide the workload with Kyren Williams. This addition should provide Williams with valuable relief during games, allowing him more opportunities to recover and maintain his performance throughout the season.
Despite the apparent shrewdness of their draft picks, lingering questions hover over these new additions. Integrating these players into the Rams’ existing system poses a significant challenge. Observers are keenly interested in whether these new talents can effectively mesh with the team’s dynamics and ultimately contribute to a turnaround in the Rams’ fortunes. As the season unfolds, the performance of these draftees will be closely watched, sparking widespread curiosity and excitement about whether they will indeed meet or even surpass expectations.
Rams’ Secondary Faces Uncertainty
Despite the Rams’ aggressive moves in the draft, their secondary, especially the cornerback position, remains a topic of much speculation heading into the 2024 season. In an interesting strategy, the Rams chose not to use their draft picks to bring fresh talent to their cornerback lineup. Instead, they will rely on their pick-ups from free agency.
Tre’Davious White is on board with a one-year contract, which is challenging for him to prove his elite status and health. On the other hand, Darious Williams secured a three-year deal, but with him crossing the 31-year-old threshold, concerns regarding his age and long-term reliability are inevitable.
The Rams are no strangers to investing in their defense, particularly in the secondary. Over the past three years, they’ve drafted six defensive backs, hoping to solidify their backline. Cobie Durant and Russ Yeast have stepped up among these picks, showing they can hold down the first team.
However, Quentin Lake and Darion Kendrick still carve out their significant roles within the team’s defensive strategy, whereas Tre’Vious Tomlinson remains an enigma. Given these dynamics, it is more critical than ever for Lake and Kendrick to escalate their game beyond contributing roles and become critical starters.
The 2024 season could hinge on their ability to take that leap, ensuring the Rams’ success is not just a one-off. If they succeed, it would solidify the Rams’ defense and offer intriguing possibilities for NFL teams betting, as the dynamics of the team’s performance and betting odds could shift significantly.
Rams’ Defense Without Aaron Donald
The Rams’ defense is entering a season of significant changes. Raheem Morris, who established a lot of success as the defensive coordinator, got a head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons and took Jimmy Lake with him. Eric Henderson, who helped a lot last year as an assistant, left to coach at USC. It’s Chris Shula’s turn to lead as the new defensive coordinator.
This is his first big job like this, and he’s got a challenging task ahead without Aaron Donald, their former star player. Last year, Morris and Henderson were great at making the most of a defense that didn’t have all the pieces. This year, Shula needs to do the same. The team is younger, especially on the defensive line, with no experienced players.
But the Rams added four new rookies, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who are expected to start immediately. Kobie Turner showed promise last year but will miss Henderson’s guidance and play next to Donald. Bobby Brown is in his 4th season but hasn’t started much. This season, Shula has to show he can bring out the best in this young and talented group.
Long-Term Wide Reciever Plan
The Rams have a big challenge with their wide receivers. After 2025, half of them won’t have contracts. Cooper Kupp is signed until 2026, but by then, he’ll be 31 and has missed 12 games in the last two seasons because of injury.
In the 2024 draft, the Rams only picked one wide receiver, Jordan Whittington from Texas, in the sixth round. Whittington has potential, but it’s not sure he’ll start. Once a strong point for the Rams, the wide receiver spot might soon become their biggest gap.
