LA Rams 2020 free agency strategy likely 2021 comp picks

Snead loves third and fourth-round draft picks

Throughout the interview, there was a message from Snead about the value of the third and fourth-round draft picks. Snead pointed out that both Bobby Evans and Cooper Kupp were third-round selections for the LA Rams.

This strategy is difficult to adhere to at the Rams current situation of high expectations set both externally and internally. Snead acknowledged that the replacement players will likely not be as good as the ones who leave via free agency.  Snead then stated that this is the phase the LA Rams are in, and that is the formula the Rams will employ this offseason.  He admitted that this creates challenges this off-season.

Snead reiterated that the overall theme of the offense will be essentially the same style. But as he turned towards the Rams 2020 defense, he admitted that new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will be asking for new types of defensive players. While he will run the 3-4 defense, Staley will be adding a great deal of versatility to the defensive looks in 2020.

We discussed the many ways Staley will unlock the full potential of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald in 2020 by adding new looks and assignments to the defensive roles. Snead seemed to suggest that the 2020 NFL Draft will be heavily focused upon the defensive side of the ball. Snead indicated that Staley will need new types of players. That suggests the Rams will be seeking the versatile multi-position players in the 2020 NFL Draft.

With this interview, which could very likely be a complete pre-draft pre-free-agency smokescreen, Rams’ general manager Les Snead laid out a fairly austere off-season for the Rams.  We’ve talked about this frugal fix scenario when discussing the offensive line. It seems like a good time to work up a frugal fix for the defense article now, as well.