Rams might've secretly built an offense built for more than one quarterback

The Los Angeles Rams hired former San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur as the Offensive Coordinator in January 2023. Since then, the front office has shown significant interest in the tight end and running back positions, while deemphasizing the wide receiver position.

In 2023, the team drafted TE Davis Allen and RB Zach Evans, along with WR Puka Nacua. The following year, they selected RB Blake Corum and WR Jordan Whittington. In 2025, they added TE Terrance Ferguson and WR Konata Mumpfield. But there’s more to the story — while drafting two tight ends, the front office also pursued trading up for one in both 2023 and 2024.

So the final count of drafted rookies is two tight ends, three running backs, and three wide receivers. Now, compare that to an offense that has historically defaulted to three wide receivers, one tight end, and one running back. Notice the misalignment? By rights, the front office should be drafting at least twice as many wide receivers. Hmm.

The Rams have quietly built the perfect roster for Jimmy Garoppolo

As Rams fans know, the team is facing an unexpected setback with 37-year-old starting quarterback Matthew Stafford dealing with back issues. His backup, 32-year-old Jimmy Garoppolo, doesn’t exactly move the needle much on the age timeline when he steps in. Nor does he offer more durability, as the veteran QB has long carried the injury-prone label.

But he has started for some very successful teams during his NFL career. As the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Jimmy Garoppolo posted a 38-17 record while completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 13,599 yards, 82 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions. From 2017 through 2020, he worked with Coach LaFleur, leading the 49ers to a 22-8 record over that span.

The 2019 49ers offense was driven by three running backs, a standout tight end, and a supporting group of wide receivers. The centerpiece was tight end George Kittle. The backfield featured Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman, while the receiving corps included Deebo Samuel, Emmanuel Sanders, and, to a lesser extent, Kendrick Bourne.

Now, compare those offensive playmakers to the projected stars on the Rams offense. This group features TE Tyler Higbee, along with rookie TE Terrance Ferguson. The backfield is expected to be shared by Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Jarquez Hunter, while the wide receivers likely to stand out are Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and either Tutu Atwell or Jordan Whittington.

The Rams built an offense to support Matthew Stafford, of course, but the front office also seems to have had a Plan B in mind. Even as NFL analysts doubt the team’s future if Jimmy G is thrust into a starting role for an extended stretch, it doesn’t necessarily spell doom. This roster appears to align well with Garoppolo’s strengths.

And that could still make this a thrilling season. As always, thanks for reading.

You will love these other recent Rams articles