This is a Remodel, not a Rebuild

Let me explain why the Rams aren't in rebuild mode - just like I said the Seahawks weren't in rebuild mode last year after losing two key players. Seattle lost Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner - their TWO BEST PLAYERS, and everyone thinks they are doomed. The Rams could potentially lose Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Floyd, who one could argue are their 3rd and oh maybe their fifth best player.

Here is one scenario that could play out - one that most NFL fans and experts would apparently throw the Rams into complete rebuild mode.

• They trade Jalen Ramsey to the Lions for the 48th (2nd Round) pick in the 2023 draft
• Leonard Floyd is cut after June 1st ($15.5 million cap savings)
• They restructure contracts, but sign no significant external free agents
• They resign resign Greg Gaines or A'Shawn Robinson
• They resign Nick Scott and Troy Hill 
• They resign Matt Gay (5m)
• They retain all of their exclusive rights and restricted free agents (for now)

First, what their depth chart would look like before the draft

OFFENSE:

• QB: Stafford. Wohlford, Perkins
• RB: Akers, Williams, Rivers
• TE: Higbee, Hopkins
• WR: Kupp, Allen Robinson, Jefferson, Skowronek, Atwell, McCutcheon
• OL: Jackson, Noteboom, Allen, Bruss, Shelton, Havenstein, Arcuri, Anchrum

DEFENSE

• DL: Donald, Copeland, Williams, Gaines or A'Shawn Robinson, B. Brown, E. Brown, Murchison
• OLB: Hardy, Hoecht, K. Thomas, B. Thomas
• ILB: Jones, Howard, Rozeboom
• CB: Durant, Kendrick, Jolley, Rochelle
• S: Fuller, Yeast, Lake, Scott

DEFENSE

• PK, Punter, LS,

DRAFT PICKS

1. With the 36th pick in the draft, the Rams select Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
2. With the 48th pick in the draft, the Rams select Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
3. With the 69th pick in the draft, the Rams select Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

Their remaining picks are

1. 1. RB Dewayne McBride
   2. QB Stetson Bennett
   3. TE Zack Kuntz
   4. WR Trey Palmer
   5. ILB SirVocea Dennis
   6. IOL
   7. Safety
   8. IDL

• WRs CHECK
• QB CHECK
• RB CHECK
• TE CHECK
• IDL CHECK
• EDGE meh
• ILB CHECK
• CB meh
• S CHECK
• Special Teams: meh

How can a team with these characteristics be considered in REBUILD MODE?

1. Extremely high quality players at Quarterback, Wide Receiver and defensive lineman.
   1. TWO of who could be top 5 or 10 players in the league - something that you could not say about the Seahawks last year
2. A decent set of running backs
3. Average TEs
4. A defensive line that is anchored by Aaron Donald and Greg Gaines
5. A young, talented inside linebacker
6. A talented but young set of cornerbacks
7. A safety group that is partly unproven but has lots of promise

That leaves us with a couple of question marks

1. Can this offensive line stay healthy and play well?
2. Can we put pressure on opposing QBs?

Restructure a couple of contracts and consider signing:

• An IOL
  • Dalton Risner? 9.5m  BRONCOS
  • Oday Aboushi? 2.5m
  • Isaac Seumalu, 12.1 EAGLES
• An EDGE
  • Obko Okoronko, Texans, 
    • 5 sacks over this last 6 games with the Texans
  • Samson Ebukan, 49ers, 7.1m
    • Remember he said he wanted to play as a pure EDGE and that's how the Rams could use him
    • 9.5 sacks in his two seasons with the Niners
  • Robert Quinn?
  • Arden Key, Clowney
  • But remember, we've drafted BJ Ojulari or a similar player at the top of the 2nd round

Conclusion:

The Rams have one of the best coaches in the league, several extremely talented players still in their prime, and a great mix of young, rising talent. Even without Bobby Wagner, Leonard Floyd, and Jalen Ramsey, this team will be extremely competitive and relative in December, January and, dare I say - February.