A Yahoo expert shocks Rams fans with this sub-par assessment of team's offseason

3: Special Teams upgrades

The team invested next to nothing in special teams in 2023, forcing new ST Coordinator Chase Blackburn to cut corners and make do whenever and wherever possible. Well, that has changed in 2024, as the LA Rams Special Teams have reclaimed the special status. Not only are rookie LS Alex Ward and P Ethan Evans back for Year 2, but the team drafted the highly regarded kicker from Stanford, Joshua Karty. While still a rookie, he is already turning heads for the team.

On top of that, the front office signed veteran RB Boston Scott, who also handled the return duties for the Philadelphia Eagles for the past six seasons. Now armed with upgrades a field goal kicker and returning punts and kickoffs, special teams will play a much larger part in the chances of victories.

4: Don't discount this defense

While it's easy to scoff at the LA Rams defense in 2024 by rationalizing that no Aaron Donald equals no chance, the truth is that the Rams have been preparing for Donald's retirement. You see, lost in the translation of Donald's retirement is the fact that this defense must also replace DE Jonah Williams, DB Jordan Fuller, and DB Ahkello Witherspoon as well.

While the Ramas cannot hope to match the loss of Donald in 2024, they can hope to upgrade the loss of other players. And I, for one, see that they did.

The Rams remade their enitre secondary. While the team brought back veteran DB John Johnson III, and retained young defensive backs like Quentin Lake, Russ Yeast, Cobie Durant, and Derion Kendick, the team loaded up on new defensive backs like free agent Darious Williams, Tre'Davious White, and Kamren Curl. Then the team drafted Miami Hurricanes' ball-hawking safety Kamren Kinchens.

The not only welcomes back outstanding rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young, but they have veteran ILB Ernest Jones, OLB Michael Hoecht, and NT Bobby Brown III as well.

Joining them are rookies Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson at outside linebacker, and Braden Fiske and Tyler Davis on the defensive line. Plus many more.

Of course, I have only been following the Rams personnel moves just like many fans. But if a senior writer wants to doll out a grade for the Rams offseason, then that compels the writer to be objective, and consider not only those actions that prove his or her point, but address other points as well.

Frank Schwab may author some outstanding articles, but this was not one of them.

Final Grade: D+

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