14 LA Rams resolutions to win Super Bowl LVI at Sofi Stadium

XI – Stop drafting flashy rookies

How big of a mistake was ignoring the offensive line needs, instead of drafting a small but speedy wide receiver named Tutu Atwell in the 2021 NFL Draft? There is no way of knowing. But I will risk sharing this. I would have been much more comfortable with Creed Humphrey hiking the football to quarterback Matthew Stafford rather than Brian Allen heading into the playoffs.

The LA Rams do not have stockpiles of talent to draw upon. If you’ve been keeping track, the Rams depend upon developing later-round rookies into NFL starters. Then, allowing those starters’ rookie contracts to expire, and allow them to sign more lucrative deals with other teams. Then, use any awarded compensatory draft picks to choose new later-round rookies.

Gotta remain focused upon value, not flash

It’s a closed-loop. If the Rams miss on a rookie or two, no team signs players to lucrative deals, no compensatory picks are awarded, and the Rams do not have as many rookies to add to the roster the following year. From their rookie seasons, the LA Rams simply did not get a very good return from the 2021 NFL Draft class. Of course, things may change.  But consider this:

The LA Rams ended the season with four rookies on injured reserve. Another rookie, RB Jake Funk, missed seven weeks due to a hamstring injury. I loved many of the rookies selected in the draft. But the Rams drafted for athleticism, not durability.  Now, as the team heads into the post-season, they are not able to contribute. The Rams need rookies to develop over the course of a season. Perhaps in the 2022 NFL Draft, the team can focus on production and durability?