LA Rams front office operates like a NASCAR pit crew

The LA Rams are ahead of the rest of the NFL in many ways, but one of the ways that nobody is talking about is how they have streamlined their front office operations. What do I mean? Well, rather than pad unnecessary positional depth on the roster, the Rams organization seems to run on the just-in-time school of thought in terms of adding players.

What do I mean? Well, let’s revisit the team’s personnel moves in 2021. The LA Rams witnessed the roster being depleted at both the running back position and the outside linebacker position. Much to my chagrin, the team did not work the NFL waiver wire for a player who could work. Rather, the team traded two NFL Draft picks to the New England Patriots for running back Sony Michel, a player that everyone was confident would work.

A similar tale happened at the outside linebacker position when the team had to fight through injuries to Justin Hollins, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and Terrell Lewis until the team was on the brink. Then, the team did not claim a player off the NFL waiver wire but traded for All-Pro outside linebacker Von Miller from the Denver Broncos.

In both cases, the team had ample opportunities to stockpile depth on the roster as players began to succumb to injury. Instead, the front office worked its magic and signed a player to have available to play at the moment of greatest need.

Even now, there are areas of less than optimal depth on the Rams roster in my opinion. But rather than waive a promising young man to make room for an untested player, the Rams will wait, observe, and stand at the ready. There will come a time for the LA Rams front office to take action once more. When that time comes, they have earned my trust to do the right thing.

It simply takes some getting used to watching the team operate. They restock the roster quickly and effectively.  Watch a Nascar race, follow the pitstops, and you’ll see what I mean.