After mini (camp) previews, these are questions Rams must reply in coaching camp – Yahoo
Optimism abounded, though it develop into tempered by uncertainty.
That is how the Rams entered their summer season fracture.
Avid gamers emerged last week from voluntary offseason exercises with out most major injuries, star receiver Cooper Kupp appeared to rating his assemble, and coach Sean McVay and his group were ready to evaluate younger gamers as they approached 2024 A.D. — the season after Aaron Donald retired.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, alternatively, remained at odds with the group over his contract. So McVay and Rams executives will are trying to compartmentalize dismay and relax sooner than gamers legend to Loyola Marymount for coaching camp on July 23.
Some questions the Rams will want answered:
Will Matthew Stafford indicate up?
Stafford participated in voluntary offseason exercises, and coaches and teammates said there were no signs he develop into alarmed or distracted.
Stafford just will not be any question occupied with an escalating quarterback market but can’t be cheerful when comparing his contract to Detroit’s Jared Goff and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, the most contemporary to interrupt the monetary institution. If the Rams and Stafford can’t work things out sooner than camp, Stafford could well presumably opt to not legend regardless of fines.
That could well be a ginormous distraction for McVay and the gamers. With backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suspended for the most major two games for violating the NFL’s coverage on efficiency-enhancing substances, Stetson Bennett could well presumably be heading within the precise route to rating his NFL debut within the season opener at Detroit.
Learn extra: Why Matthew Stafford holds the vitality in contract field with Rams sooner than camp
If Stafford reports and his contract points live unresolved, McVay and other gamers will most definitely be asked about it each day. And Stafford — who has not spoken to reporters who veil the Rams since January — moreover will face questions at every availability.
Discover how to atone for loss of Aaron Donald
2nd-365 days pro Kobie Turner is the most major building block fresh defensive coordinator Chris Shula has to atone for the loss of the pillar that develop into Donald.
The Rams drafted Florida edge rusher Jared Verse within the most major round and Seminoles care for Braden Fiske within the second. The ancient teammates showed signs of their familiarity and nonverbal verbal substitute all over exercises, coaches said. Nose care for Bobby Brown III has lacked consistency but is in a contract 365 days.
Learn extra: High pick Jared Verse overjoyed Rams moreover picked his Florida Assert linemate
Edge Byron Younger had eight sacks last season as a rookie, and passe Michael Hoecht can play outside and interior.
Open air linebacker Brennan Jackson and lineman Tyler Davis are learners who must indicate they are able to contribute, alongside side second-365 days pros Ochaun Mathis and Nick Hampton.
Is Kyren Williams’ foot bother healed?
Williams, who made the Pro Bowl last season, sat out practically all group on-discipline actions all over the offseason program due to of a foot bother. He participated in a pair of shuffle-throughs within the closing weeks and said he could well presumably be ready for coaching camp.
Rookie Blake Corum impressed all over an expanded different due to of Williams’ absence but the Rams are searching on Williams to repeat or surpass his 2023 efficiency, when he rushed for 1,144 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
Ronnie Rivers, Boston Scott and Zach Evans are other running backs.
Can Steve Avila pass seamlessly from guard to center?
Avila, a second-round pick in 2023, conducted successfully at left guard as a rookie. The Rams opted to not re-designate center Coleman Shelton, believing Avila could well presumably take care of the added duties of directing the total line.
Avila utilized his size and displayed his intelligence and character all over offseason exercises. However that develop into with out pads, contact or valid sport slouch.
Avila will most definitely be flanked by plenty of abilities, including left guard Jonah Jackson, factual guard Kevin Dotson, left care for Alaric Jackson and factual care for Rob Havenstein.
When will Tyler Higbee return?
Higbee, the Rams’ mainstay at tight live since 2016, suffered a most major knee bother in January after a brutal hit in a playoff defeat at Detroit. He is not anticipated to be ready unless after midseason.
The Rams signed Colby Parkinson, who conducted four seasons for Seattle, and moreover rating second-365 days pro Davis Allen and Hunter Prolonged.
Parkinson caught 25 passes last season, Allen 10.
Will the defensive backfield come collectively mercurial?
The Rams added four gamers to a secondary that could survey third-365 days safety Quentin Lake deal with a most major role.
Cornerback Darious Williams is succor for one more stint with the Rams. Cornerback Tre’Davious White, who conducted seven seasons for the Buffalo Funds, is coming off an Achilles bother that minute him nearly exclusively to rehab work all over the offseason program.
Security Kamren Curl joined the Rams after four seasons in Washington. Rookie Kamren Kinchens develop into a playmaker in college at Miami.
What regarding the kicker?
After last season’s kicking woes, the Rams used a sixth-round pick to desire Joshua Karty.
The ancient Stanford standout showed all over offseason exercises he’s able to persistently making discipline-purpose attempts with no valid stress.
Now he must display cover to McVay and the Rams he can build it facing a paunchy slouch and all over preseason games sooner than getting an genuine test within the opener at Detroit.
This chronicle originally appeared in Los Angeles Events.