Deep threat? Inside mind of LA Rams GM Les Snead: Part II

If you revisit the LA Rams 2020 offseason strategy, the team took three paths to rebuild the team’s roster. Of course, the first step in 2020 was re-signing the majority of offensive players whose contract had expired. That included OT Andrew Whitworth, C Austin Blythe, IOL Coleman Shelton, TE Johnny Mundt.

For the defensive side of the ball, the Rams were frugal and deliberate in free agency. The team committed to signing OLB Leonard Floyd and NT A’Shawn Robinson.  But the team was able to resign DL Michael Brockers as well.

The teams draft RB Cam Akers, WR Van Jefferson, and TE Brycen Hopkins. But for all intents and purposes, the LA Rams offense was the same LA Rams offense rolled out in 2017-2019. Now the LA Rams need to shake things up on offense, and Les Snead was able to talk to that concept.

At the 35:00 minute mark, GM Les Snead talked about the infusion of new blood into the offense. and that’s where the fun begins.

‘You know what, that’s a good idea. Even though NFL players are not five stars, right We’ll say we need more four stars. Players who may not be perfect, but who can make one or two miss. I call them the five eligibles, whoever they are. receivers, tight ends, running backs, (inaudible-could be quarterbacks and placekickers). Those guys score points‘

So what does that tell us?  Well, for one thing, we know that the LA Rams are set at placekickers, at featured running back, tight end. But to the receivers, he mentioned a receiver who can run past people.

It’s no secret that the buzz for the LA Rams offense is to shore up the offensive line, add a deep threat, and find a powerful running back in the form of a fullback or upback. So what will that mean?  Well, it certainly reframes the team’s shopping list, doesn’t it?  It suggests that the LA Rams are more than happy to add a deep threat receiver.

But don’t discount the LA Rams’ willingness to beef up in the backfield with a burly back either.

At the 50:00 mark, Snead discusses the ‘deep threat’. He alludes to the way defenses must respond to the offense that possesses a receiver who can threaten the length of the football field.  It’s clear that the dialogue between McVay and Snead has already been somewhat lengthy over the opportunity to add a player or two who can run past defenders.

I enjoy listening to Les Snead. There is no adversarial tone. He is not a holier-than-thou executive. He simply shares what he can at the time, and does so with a smile. In part one, Snead made it clear that the Rams have a plan in place to free up salary-cap space.  In this segment, Snead alludes to what the Rams might do with that money.