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Los Angeles Rams Late August Scouting Report
Layton Pang
8/31/2017

Let the real games begin! After losing to the Chargers in the third pre-season game, the Rams head to Green Bay with a 2-1 record for their pre-season finale. Most of the starters will sit this game out to avoid injury so it will be the reserves and those trying to make a last impression playing tonight. We are in the thick of Fantasy Drafts so this report will give you brief thoughts at the Fantasy positions. The following scouting advice is based on 12-team PPR leagues. My league goes 22 rounds deep so that is what I am basing my draft rounds by. Adjust for your league accordingly.

 

QB: QB Jared Goff looks improved but still has a long way to go to become elite. He is currently a QB3 that should be drafted at the late stages or "teen" rounds. QB Sean Mannion has looked solid in pre-season but has not Fantasy value.

 

RB: RB Todd Gurley has had a good pre-season and is poised to bounce back from last year’s disappointing season. Todd is a lower end RB1 that should be taken in the second half of the first round. Of course since I am a Rams fan, I take him with my first pick regardless of draft position haha. RB Malcom Brown looks like Todd’s handcuff but he is nowhere close to the talent. If you do take Brown, wait until you have at least 3-4 other running backs.

 

WR: WR Sammy Watkins is still adjusting to his new team and offense but I think once he does, he offers WR2 upside. If you can get Sammy after the fifth round, you could have a steal. Of course, the later you take him the better the bargain. WR Cooper Kupp has been impressive from day one and is currently the hot name for rookie receivers. Unfortunately, that might make him a little overvalued right now. He should be a WR3 but would be a nicer WR4 on your team. WR Tavon Austin has missed all of pre-season but should be ready for the regular season. He is the top paid receiver on the team and is still a weapon. I took him way too early the past few years and with Watkins and Kupp on the team, I am staying away from Tavon, unless I can take him as my last receiver. WR Robert Woods has been solid as a starter but I think his ceiling is low and will get even lower when Sammy and Tavon get more involved.

 

TE: TE Tyler Higbee is the starter but rookie TE Gerald Everett has been more productive in pre-season. Neither is dependable enough for Fantasy relevance but either could develop into a nice sleeper. Good for the Rams but bad for Fantasy is the fact that both could have success, which would limit the other’s production.

 

K: PK Greg Zuerlein nailed a 57-yard field goal against the Chargers and is ready for big season. Taking Greg after the big name kickers is a good strategy that could payoff for you, especially in leagues that give bonus points for long distance field goals.

 

DEF: The defense should be improved under DC Wade Phillips and the Special Teams unit has been solid under ST John Fassel. As far as IDP status is concerned, LB Alec Ogletree is poised for a big season. DT Aaron Donald is still holding out but if/when he finally comes back, he is a solid IDP with extra value in leagues the require defensive linemen. LB Robert Quinn and LB Mark Barron have sat out all of the pre-season games so I am not sure what to make of that. Hopefully they are healthy when the regular season begins and both are productive. CB Trumaine Johnson looks ready for a strong season and has extra incentive since he is playing under the Franchise Tag.


This is the most fun time of the year for Fantasy players and I wish all of you success with your drafts. Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. In times like this, we need to appreciate everything we have and take nothing for granted. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

End.

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