Why 2021 comp picks critical for LA Rams future

Why 2021 comp picks are so critical for LA Rams future

The LA Rams roster will be having another identity crisis in 2021. That is if the current schedule of expired NFL contracts remains on track. While 2020’s round of NFL Free Agency left the offense fairly intact, the 2021 date with NFL Free Agency will impact these Rams on both sides of the ball.  While the LA Rams have some wiggle room in the 2021 NFL Salary Cap, the uncertainty of fans in the stands has all but eroded any confidence of where that salary cap comes in at.

Without a cap in place, the NFL will be scrambling to sign free agents to meaningful contracts. Will they go “as is”, or will the NFL change the group rules to provide the “one-off” scenario necessary to address the strange and unusual circumstances caused by the current COVID-19 culture. That is fanless games for 2020.

Comp picks change 2021 Draft strategy

Due to trading away their first and fourth-round draft picks for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and a fifth-round pick for interior offensive lineman Austin Corbett, the LA Rams have just four picks as their starting point for the 2021 NFL Draft: Round 2, 3, 6 and 7.  The addition of a projected third and fourth-round pick literally change the Rams draft strategy in 2021.

Six picks in round 2, 3 (X2), 4, 6, and 7 allow the team to add future talent when the Rams need it most.  There is no certainty about the Rams salary cap situation in 2021 because it could run anywhere from $90 million to $0.  The only advantage the Rams have? They’ve been practicing these tight financial fire drills for some time.

2021 Draft a year away

The Rams may not be focused upon an event that is a year into the future, but it helps to keep it in the team’s peripheral vision. Football comes at you fast, and by the time the season has arrived, planning for next year’s roster has already begun. With so many players hitting free agency in 2021, the Rams will be overwhelmed if they wait and try to address the team’s contracts simultaneously.

Some players will return, and others will not. That’s why the Rams must begin planning now for that 2021 NFL Draft. The talent level of that draft class will dictate roster moves leading up to and beyond that draft.  Adding two picks to four may not seem like much, but it’s a 50 percent improvement from their starting point.  While 2021 could be a year of plenty, it could just as likely be tight.  Limited resources may not be something the Rams have dealt with for years, but it could be the direction of their future.  So it’s better to start early. And a couple of comp picks could make all the difference.