2016 versus 2017 for the Los Angeles Rams

How do the 2017 Los Angeles Rams stack up against the 2016 version? One look at the depth chart says a lot.

It’s a NEW DAY IN LA. Let’s just say that last season didn’t count. The Rams just took the year off after revealing to the public that they’re taking their talents to Los Angeles. But the Rams finally fired Mr. 7-9 in Jeff Fisher. Which means the only direction  to go is UP!

Related Story: 5 observations from Rams first depth chart release

Jared Goff is the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL at 22 years old. His freshman season at Cal, he led the team that won a grand total of 1 game. Yes I said it, 1 GAME! But by the time his junior season came around. He led them to a respectable record. So he’s gone through this before. He seems to be mentality strong, which I like to see when watching a quarterback. How they adjust to the speed of the game. How they handle they handle the pass rush. The rapport they have with their receivers. He showed some flashes last season but it was still a rough start for Goff, and that’s being generous.

The offensive line is awful, to say the least. The addition of Andrew Whitworth should do wonders with the development of Jared. But I am scared because once a QB becomes accustomed to being hit over and over again, they sometimes see ghosts while standing in the pocket and they become more tentative and it’ll hinder their growth. Kind of like another quarterback that the Rams drafted number 1. But the hiring of Aaron Kromer should do wonders for the line. He did a fantastic job in Buffalo keeping Tyrod Taylor upright.  Hopefully the AW signing will bolster the line and keep Jared untouched. Rob Havenstein is decent but the rest of the line is decent at best.

Todd Gurley needs to wake up and bring his 2015 self into 2017. If he does that then, the Rams will be in a much better position. Lance Dunbar will be a nice addition to the offense to take some of the load off of Todd. Malcolm Brown has done well himself. I’m expecting Todd to have an elite year. The expectations are top 5 in rushing yards along with double-digit touchdowns. This guy has all the tools to be the best back in the league. But as of right now, we have to see more from him.

Losing Kenny Britt was pretty big, especially since he’s been the only 1,000 yard receiver for the Rams since the Torry Holt days. Brian Quick was terrible. The guy had all the tools and it was just a waste of talent. Glad he’s gone. Lance Kendricks was a pretty solid blocker but his iffy hands became a liability. But it is time to see how the young kids play under the lights. Tyler Higbee didn’t do much last year but some of the blame goes to Fisher. Hopefully his athleticism and pass catching ability bolsters the offense.

It seems as if Sean McVay drafted his Jordan Reed in Gerald Everett.

Cooper Kupp has been named the number 1 receiver after the first depth chart was released a few days ago and from the reports out of training camp, he’s doing extremely well. Tavon Austin needs to learn how to run routes and catch the ball. He is a game-breaker when he has the ball. But he just needs to get the ball. And for the sake of the offense and Tavon’s health, PLEASE DON’T PUT TAVON IN THE BACKFIELD AT RB!!!! But with all of the promise the receiving corps has, we have to see them execute.

HEY RAMS GIVE AARON DONALD AN EXTENSION. The best defensive player in the NFL in my opinion, AD is unblockable and the most consistent player on the team. Ethan Westbrooks and tenacious and has a high motor. Michael Brockers is a solid NT and he’ll clog up the running lanes well. The Dominique Easley ACL injury hurts the unit very much, hoping for a speedy recovery.  But with Wade Phillips coaching this defense, watch out Quarterbacks.

I’m a big fan of Robert Quinn when he’s healthy; he just needs to stay healthy. Make or break year for him with his contract taking up a ton of cap space. Mark Barron is solid against the run and is improving in the passing game but I’m not sure he’s worth that 5 year deal he received last season. Connor Barwin is a huge addition to the team. He’ll bring leadership and his veteran presence should keep the penalties to a minimum. The middle is anchored by Alec Ogletree, all-around linebacker with a knack of poking the ball loose.

Next: 5 Rams who should benefit from Mike Thomas suspension

The secondary lost a key piece in TJ McDonald and the unit didn’t do a swell job last year with the pass.

Johnny Hekker is the best in the business at punting, and Greg Zuerlein had a surprisingly consistent season.

Hopefully he keeps it up.