The Los Angeles Rams were poor in 2016. I am not talking in terms of money, but more like in terms of their play. They had a rookie QB, 1 WR, and no o-line. The solid start that they got off to was all a smoke screen. Can new Head Coach Sean McVay turn them around in 2017? Here are some possible additions that could help.
Pierre Garcon – WR
The Los Angeles Rams are in need of some weapons for second-year QB Jared Goff. I mentioned in the open that they had one WR. That guy was Kenny Britt. He, however, is a free agent. If the Rams can re-sign him and add a piece like Garcon they could immediately have a formidable WR group. Garcon is also familiar with McVay having played for him while he was the offensive coordinator in Washington.
DeSean Jackson – WR
Jackson is another intriguing option. He too, as in Garcon, played 2016 with McVay. The reason to bring in Jackson would be not re-signing Kenny Britt. Jackson changes the coverages of the defense. His speed alone is an asset to an offense. He makes a lot of sense for the Rams at WR. Also, Jackson may want to finish his career closer to home. He is from the LA area and could be happy playing in front of the home-town folks.
[Sean]
Riley Reiff – Tackle
The Rams find themselves in need of o-line help. Reiff would be an immediate upgrade to an offensive line that struggled in passing situations. The Los Angeles Rams were the 31st ranked passing offense in the NFL in 2016. The only offense that was worse, the San Francisco 49ers. While Reiff would not be protecting the blind side of Jared Goff, Greg Robinson does that, he would still provide much-needed stability on the outside of the offensive line.
Brandon Fusco – Guard
The Los Angeles Rams have roughly $38 million in open cap space. However, with the franchise tag looming over CB Trumaine Johnson that could lower that number to about $22 million. Fusco could be one of those guards that could come in on the cheaper side. He is only 28 years old. He could come in and solidify the right side for Jared Goff and the running game.
Matt McGloin – QB
The Los Angeles Rams are going to need a solid backup QB to Jared Goff. Sean Mannion is not NFL caliber and Case Keenum is a free agent. I like the option of McGloin. He brings a young vibrant arm and can get through a game or two as a starter if needed. He also brings in a veteran presence. He may not be a long in the tooth veteran but he has been in longer than Goff and can help keep the kid’s composure intact.
The Los Angeles Rams are not rebuilding. They are just adding a few veteran pieces to a young squad. Their defense is top 10 and with Wade Phillips as a coordinator can look at becoming top 5. That is why I only targeted offense for them. Watch out for the Rams to get a couple of surprising wins in 2017.