Summer Break! After several aggressive trades and free agent signings, and a prudent draft, the Rams concluded their off-season with productive OTAs and mini-camp. The team is currently on break until they reconvene for training camp in late July. Los Angeles has been one of the busiest teams since the end of the season and they are committed to making a Super Bowl run in 2018; however, they still have unfinished business, as All-Pro DT Aaron Donald is still holding out for a new contract. Donald is the Defensive Player of the Year and is still playing on his rookie contract so hopefully the Rams will sign him to an extension before training camp opens. Since there is not much significant news from last month’s report, let’s take a look at the projected starting lineup heading into Training Camp.

QB Jared Goff DL Aaron Donald (as soon as he gets new contract)

RB Todd Gurley DL Ndamukong Suh

WR Robert Woods DL Michael Brockers

WR Brandin Cooks LB Matt Longacre

WR Cooper Kupp LB Mark Barron

TE Tyler Higbee LB Corey Littleton

OL Andrew Whitworth LB Samson Ebukam

OL Roger Saffold CB Aqib Talib

OL John Sullivan CB Marcus Petes

OL Jamon Brown SS Lamarcus Joyner

OL John Havenstein FS John Johnson III

After an 11-5 regular season record and winning the NFC West, the Rams have a solid team and most of the roster is set; however, linebacker is the one position that has questions marks heading into Training Camp. Los Angeles traded away two of their 2017 starters (Alec Ogletree and Robert Quinn) and let a third walk in free agency (Connor Barwin) so they need to find three new starters to join incumbent LB Mark Barron. The three players listed above to start with Barron are only listed on the first team heading into camp and need to prove themselves worthy of starting. Barron himself is recovering from lingering injuries so all four linebacker spots during OTAs and mini-camp were manned by players who were not regular starters in 2017. The defensive player I am most excited about is second year LB Samson Ebukam. He flashed explosive skills and production in limited opportunities as a rookie and is poised to have a breakout season in year two.

HC Sean McVay and GM Les Snead have assembled a talented lineup and if the young linebackers develop as anticipated, this team could challenge for the championship. The Rams need to get Donald back as soon as possible and sign him to a long term extension. Los Angeles is built to win it all this season but they need their All-Pro Captain to continue his dominant play. Next month we will look at the upcoming Training Camp and possible Fantasy developments within the team. Love and blessings to my family. Miss you Pops! Aloha!

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