Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart 2018 Rams Depth Chart

Preseason Analysis: Rams Starters to the Super Bowl in 2018?

The Rams were offseason movers this year, acquiring Brandin Cooks from the Patriots, and letting Sammy Watkins walk. This is a loaded team on both sides, and despite a tough schedule ahead, they are primed for another playoff run. The Rams didn’t do much in the draft, because they didn’t have many picks to use. They did take John Kelly to be a potential back if Todd Gurley was to ever go down. Robert Woods stepped up in a big way last season, and will look to continue that this year. Cooper Kupp is in a similar boat. While the red zone receiving threat isn’t really there with these guys, Tyler Higbee could see that role, of course this is after their running game gets their steady dose of touches. I will say some protection for Jared Goff would be nice, as Sean Mannion is the only one backing him up right now, and that is not what Rams fans would want to see. Would not expect to see any major moves moving forward for the Rams outside of some QB depth. They have set themselves up for the now and the future. Enjoy this young core while it lasts.

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Rams have made a number of moves to help better position themselves for the 2018 season. Key players were added to both lines, the defensive backfield and critical skill positions. With the addition of Brandon Cooks, the Rams arguably have three of the top 25 most productive receivers from the 2017 season. It's safe to expect the Rams to feature even more three and four-receiver sets in 2018. While Kupp and Woods spent time in the slot last year, Cooks has been primarily used as an outside threat in the past. Cooks does add a legitimate deep threat, but Woods should remain Goff's favorite target. Even with the addition of Cooks, Gurley is expected to be one of the top three running backs this year. It's also worth noting that he was only one of three running backs with a zero pass-blown block rate last year. His ability here will be critical for the early and post-season success related to the Brandin Cooks acquisition. Since 2015, Cooks has over 250 more yards on 20-plus yard receptions than Antonio Brown and Julio Jones. Cooks wasn't the first big-name signing of the offseason, bringing in Ndamukong Suh to play alongside Aaron Donald is also expected to have a serious impact on the interior. During 2017, the two linemen were responsible for over 15 sacks, over 20 hits, and nearly 100 hurries combined.

To help capitalize on having more pressure applied on the line, the Rams also signed Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, two defensive backs responsible for holding quarterbacks to the lowest and third-lowest passer ratings since 2015, respectively. With two defensive backs playing at a similar level to Richard Sherman, the Rams coverage this year should be far stingier than ever before. Wade Phillips says he couldn't have been more pleased with the defensive acquisitions of multiple-time pro bowlers and proven players made during the acquisition. Phillps is eager to be reunited with Talib from their Super Bowl run in Denver and doesn't anticipate big personalities or egos to be a problem. As defensive coordinator and the wise elder second-in-command, Wade's already touched base with each of the players and outlined his expectations for the upcoming season. The Rams still have areas of concern at the right guard position, the two defensive ends and the linebacker spot. Even with these remaining holes, the Los Angeles Rams are expected to contend for the Super Bowl this season. The only teams with better odds than the Rams to win their own division this year are the Steelers, Patriots, and Eagles. Vegas has the Rams preseason over/under set at 10 wins and their odds to win the Super Bowl are 10-1. USA Today projects the Rams to go 12-4, tied with the Vikings for the most season wins, although they have the Falcons winning it all. The Rams' offense led the NFL and the defense was better than average last year without these additions, so don't be surprised if they win the Super Bowl.