3 key positions LA Rams must address this offseason

Position of need: Outside linebacker

Why is this a need? The LA Rams had lost their two starting outside linebackers in 2020, and risk losing another pair of starting outside linebackers this year as well. Both Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam are projected to test the NFL Free Agency market. A year ago, the Rams watched Dante Fowler Jr. sign a huge contract with the Atlanta Falcons and outright released his teammate Clay Matthews.

Who can fill the role from within? The LA Rams have cobbled together a few players who make up a solid rotation. The team currently has OLB Justin Lawler, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Justin Hollins, and Terrell Lewis. Among this group, one player should be able to win a starting role. Of course, the problem lies in the fact that the Rams truly need to fill two open positions.

The Rams edge rushers, with the exception of veteran Leonard Floyd, truly got off to slow starts in 2020. For the Rams to find steady success, the team will need a veteran on the outside to set the edge and get to the quarterback constantly. That means that the team will need to invest the $8-10 million necessary to get the job done by signing a contract. A young hungry player such as Cincinnati Bengals Carl Lawson fits the need very nicely. Of course, if veteran Jadaveon Clowney plays it wisely, he could sign an inexpensive one-year deal with the Rams, reassert his defensive reputation, then move on to a huge payday with the next team.

Rams likely plan to address the position: There is no way around this one, ladies and gentlemen. The LA Rams need one veteran addition to the outside linebacker position, hopefully, someone who can assume a starting role with the team on day way. The bookend position on paper will be won by Obo or Lewis. But Justin Hollins flashed brilliance in 2020 despite arriving late to the party.  The Rams should be looking to draft an edge player as well, perhaps as early as round three of the 2021 NFL Draft.

If the Rams had to face the 2021 NFL season with no salary cap space free up, the options still exist for the team to fill their starting roles with existing players.  But looking at how the Rams have already allocated their spending, the Rams free agency plan is beginning to form. The Rams need to invest in both the center and outside linebacker positions. The team has invested heavily in the receiver group for now.