The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino released his Top 10 NFL Rosters Entering 2024 Season Ranking on Thursday and the Los Angeles Rams squeaked into the final spot. While 10 may seem low for a team that has Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and what might be the league-best offensive line in football, it is a vast improvement from where most outlets ranked them heading into 2023. Many expected that Rams team to be vying for the top spot in the draft, not winning 10 games and pushing the Detroit Lions to the brink in a playoff game. And that team had Aaron Donald.
The Rams are ranked behind the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Green Bay Packers.
Valentino prefaces his rankings with a QB caveat: ‘Quarterbacks matter in our ranking, but they’re not given extra credit for being so valuable. Quality at the most important positions and depth played into each team’s placement.’
Are the Rams being underrated again or is it an honor to be ranked so highly?
Los Angeles Rams Roster Analysis:
Here is what he wrote about the 2024 Rams Roster;
Whether it’s because the Los Angeles Rams succeeded in 2023 thanks to a slew of unknown defensive players or their dismal 2022 season, which was wrecked by injuries, the buzz around this team is surprisingly low.
Sure, Aaron Donald retired, but the Rams finished 10-7 after ripping off seven wins in their final eight regular-season games last year. This young defense began to complement its explosive offense, setting the formula for how they’ll be more competitive in 2024.
Getting Matthew Stafford another big-time playmaker in Puka Nacua last year, and then rebuilding the offensive line with two big free agents this year, is massive. The offense no longer has a clear weakness, as Kyren Williams established himself as a quality starter, and the Rams addressed the depth of every position through free agency or the draft.
Sean McVay already had the eighth-best scoring offense, and they could push into the top five this fall.
The Rams’ defense might be more interesting for football nerds. Adding the Florida State rookie duo of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske helps a pass rush that was already impactful with Kobie Turner and Byron Young. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has more young legs to work with and create pressure.
Behind them is an overhauled secondary that has taken some risks with Tre’Davious White and Kamren Kinchens, but the unit has a high football IQ and versatility.
If Kinchens can overcome a terrible scouting combine performance, and one of the roster’s many young corners becomes an above-average starter, the Rams might have a top-10 defense in 2024.
