The Rams "renovation" as GM Les Snead calls it has started with the demolition of the defense and special teams. Los Angeles has lost six defensive starters and could lose two more, which would leave only DL Aaron Donald and LB Ernest Jones from last year’s starting defense. The Rams also need to replace their entire special teams group (kicker, punter, long snapper and return man). HC Sean McVay said he is committed to coaching this team for the foreseeable future and it looks like he has a big challenge ahead. Let’s take a look at the main transactions that have occurred since free agency opened, including trades and players released.

PLAYER THE RAMS ADDED:

TE Hunter Long: Long came to Los Angeles in the Jalen Ramsey trade along with a third round pick. Long was a 2021 3^rd round pick out of Boston College and was very productive in college. He has only one career reception during his two years in Miami so he should have no problem increasing productivity in Los Angeles. Hunter has a great opportunity to learn behind Tyler Higbee and carve out a role for himself. Snead and McVay must have liked something about Long’s game to add him in the Ramsey trade.

PLAYERS THE RAMS RETAINED:

OL Coleman Shelton

DL Michael Hoecht

DB Shaun Jolly

LB Christian Rozeboom

All of the players retained have had little impact in their young careers; however, they all have a great opportunity to compete for valuable playing time. Hoecht is the most important of the four. He was a 2020 undrafted free agent who earned a roster spot with strong special teams play and has developed into a productive defender. Hoecht returns in 2023 as one of the team’s top pass rushers. Shelton started 13 games in 2022 at guard and center. He should compete for a starting spot or be a valuable reserve.

PLAYERS THE RAMS LOST:

CB Jalen Ramsey

LB Bobby Wagner

LB Leonard Floyd

DL Greg Gains

DB David Long Jr

DB Nick Scott

QB Baker Mayfield

OL David Edwards

PK Matt Gay

SP Riley Dixon

LS Matt Orzech

PR Brandon Powell

The defense lost so many starters and probably loses two more as DL A’Shawn Robinson and DB Taylor Rapp are free agents negotiating with other teams. The Rams received only a 3^rd pick and TE Hunter Long from Miami for Ramsey but it was reported that Los Angeles received more lucrative offers from other teams but Ramsey wanted to go to Miami so the Rams did right by Jalen and sent him to South Beach. Wagner may have lost a step but he was still the heart and soul of this unit after Donald went down. Floyd was inconsistent and Los Angeles could not afford his lofty salary. Mayfield signed with Tampa and will try to replace Tom Brady. Good luck Baker. New SC Chase Blackburn gets to select a whole new special team’s core. Losing Powell was a bummer as he was a solid return man who could also be used on offensive; plus his contract was minimal.

The Rams have been criticized for poor cap management and trading away early Draft picks; however, Snead and McVay have guided the Rams to two Super Bowls and won one championship since hiring McVay in 2017 so I have faith in their team building and more importantly, their team developing skills. The Rams currently have eleven picks in the upcoming Draft and will have to use each one wisely to replace the core players that were important contributors the past few seasons. Hope you are all doing great and have a Happy Easter! Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops and Scratch! Aloha!

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