NFL expert believes Rams are blowing away NFC West rivals this offseason

It's an unformed image for the Los Angeles Rams, and for all NFL teams, so far this offseason. You can't judge a feast by the items in the grocery cart. You can't judge a cake from its batter. I stress that fact because it can be quite frustrating to fans to want instant results to nagging Rams roster problems. I have to practice what I preach, so I will not indulge in comparing and contrasting the overall offseason efforts of NFL teams until all teams have completed their NFL Draft selections, and rounded out their 90-man rosters by signing undrafted collegiate free agents.

But that does not prohibit me from sharing how NFL experts are viewing the Rams offseason so far. And when it comes to how at least one NFL expert views the Rams offseason, it's worth checking out.

Of course, whenever NFL experts paint a picture of one NFL team, they paint the image of the entire NFL. So let's take advantage of ESPN NFL Insider Ben Solak's recent most improved rosters article to gauge the progress made by teams in the NFC West Division:

Seattle Seahawks - 31st

Just . . . whoa.

Why did Solak rank the team here?

Solak views the Seahawks' offseason efforts as downgrades across the board. He views flipping veteran QB Geno Smith for a younger QB in Sam Darnold, while signing aging Rams WR Cooper Kupp, as actions that work against one another. He is particularly disheartened by the team's lack of effort to upgrade the offensive line as a fatal error in the offseason.

Ultimately Solak views the Seahawks as becoming more expensive, not getting any better. And to tell you the truth, that mimics my impression of the Seahawks offseason so far. Solak was a bit harsher in his criticism of the Seahawks, but we both arrived at the same conclusion. The Seahawks are likely to struggle in 2025.

San Francisco 49ers - 30th

He didn't have many positives to share about the 49ers offseason actions.

Why did Solak rank the team here?

When an NFL analyst has a laundry list of bad things to share, but only one good thing to share, you should expect a relatively unflattering set of comments to follow. Solak loved the fit of former Rams WR Demarcus Robinson in the 49ers offense. He was rather kind about some of the 49ers low cost signings too.

But he gets the elephant in the room. After several years of chasing a Super Bowl victory, the 49ers have to suffer salary cap lumps in 2025. That is particularly true as the team is trying to fill the treasure chest to offer to QB Brock Purcy.

The sheer exodus of playoff competitive talent from the 49ers roster is deep and wide. As such, it's virtually impossible for the team to tread water this offseason. The best that 49ers fans can hope for is a quick turn-around with young players. But that means plenty of painful growth and development in store for this season.

Arizona Cardinals - 13th

The Cardinals are the first NFC West Division team to get better than average marks.

Why did Solak rank the team here?

Solak loves the Cardinals signing of former Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat. Not only due to the fact that he was one of the best free agents available, but he joins former Eagles DC Jonathon Gannon. Sweat had the most productive season of his NFL career under Gannon, so there are solid reasons to expect Sweat to deliver for the Cards as well.

So why not rank the Cardinals higher? After all, they finished 2024 with a record of 8-9. With Sweat, the Cardinals could turn the corner to a winning record, and perhaps push the Rams for the NFC West Division title.

Solak noticed the same mass exodus of defensive tackles that I shared in a recent article. That becomes challenging to a defense that struggled to get much production from rookie DT Byron Murphy. Will the Cardinals manage to respond to the loss of multiple interior defensive linemen in one offseason? That may be more than they can accomplish.

Los Angeles Rams - 2nd

Solak shares his love for the LA Rams free agency moves.

Why did Solak rank the team here?

I don't know that Ben Solak is a fan of the Los Angeles Rams, but he certainly sounds like one in his glossy write up describing the Rams offseason moves so far. How do I know? You can feel the admiration of GM Les Snead from the get-go:

"I loved: Just about everything. Extending Jackson before the tackle market was set saved them millions. Upgrading at nose tackle, with Ford in place of Bobby Brown III, should further elevate second-year players Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. Upgrading at receiver with (Davante) Adams, who is aging much better than Cooper Kupp, fills a nicer role opposite Puka Nacua. And of course, retaining (Matthew) Stafford after an open flirtation with the trade market."

ESPN Ben Solak

His only negative view of the Rams' off-season was the team extending WR Tutu Atwell over veteran WR Demarcus Robinson. But he seems unaware of the risk of disciplinary action imposed on Demarcus Robinson in 2025 resulting from a 2025 arrest. The Rams took no action against Robinson after the incident. But it seemed the risk of action from the NFL front office weighed heavily upon the Rams' decision not to extend Robinson in 2025.

Of course, these should all be considered mid-term grades, not final grades. And even after the full 90-man rosters are assembled for each team, they will only remain as good as no injuries allow.

I think Ben Solak is on the right track here. The Rams feel like a better team already, and the team has plenty of selections to make during the draft. The team even has a significant number of signings to make to round out the roster after the draft event concludes.

But as far as mid-term grades go, it looks like the Rams aced the exam.

As always, thanks for reading.

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