“I thought Kevin did a great job coming in here,” Rob Havenstein, a right tackle, stated. “He is a large, robust, and robust man. In the conference room, he exudes great presence. He is incredibly funny. All around a terrific guy. And from now on, no matter how things work out, I will only be a fan of Kevin Dotson. But it’s clear that maintaining continuity on the o-line is crucial.”
Left tackle
Regarding Dotson and the offensive line, Snead mentioned that continuity “is definitely the vision”. Does that mean restricted free agent Alaric Jackson, a 25-year-old starting left tackle, is covered by that?
Jackson performed passably as the left tackle chosen by the Rams during training camp, but he also gave up the most pressures of any offensive lineman this season—41—to the opposition. Do the Rams believe they can upgrade at the position using their first-round pick or through free agency? A good tackle might fall to the Rams at No. 19 if enough quarterbacks or receivers are selected early in the draft.
Jackson is a former undrafted free agent, so if he signs with another team and is given a right-of-first-refusal tag, the Rams won’t receive any compensatory picks.
Safety Jordan Fuller
In addition to having three interceptions and eight pass breakups this season, Fuller ranked second on the team in tackles. In addition, he was a key figure in the locker room as captain and, in the event that linebacker Ernest Jones IV missed the Packers game, wore the green dot on defense.
Despite how crucial Fuller was to the Rams’ defense this season, Snead seemed accepting of the fact that Fuller would be leaving in free agency during his press conference last week. When asked specifically how Fuller’s leadership influences his choices, Snead mentioned replacing rather than maintaining that leadership.
“It’s probably hard to replace that exact leader anytime that leader goes out,” Snead remarked. “The challenging aspect of this industry is that while players may leave, you can sometimes lose valuable skills. However, the most difficult thing is losing your leadership ability, which is crucial for balancing your energy for the team and the situation at hand.”
Third receiver
As the Rams’ third receiver late in the season, veteran Demarcus Robinson made an impression on quarterback Matthew Stafford by winning routes and making contested catches. Yet now that his veteran minimum contract has run out, he is a restricted free agent.
What kind of complementary wide receivers do the Rams want to add now that Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back? Robinson is the reliable hand. Prior to injuries and Robinson’s rise, Tutu Atwell, a former second-round pick, was a dynamic presence due to his speed. Robinson now plays more of a reserve role. However, Nacua’s cheap rookie contract has three years remaining, so the Rams might try to take advantage by signing a short-term free agent.
DBs Ahkello Witherspoon and John Johnson III
Fuller is one of three starting defensive backs entering free agency. Similar to Fuller, despite playing on veteran minimum contracts, Witherspoon and Johnson contributed significantly to the Rams’ leadership both on and off the field this season.
Witherspoon was the Rams’ top cornerback this season, embracing big matchups in man coverage. Additionally, Johnson helped the defense towards the end of the season, particularly in a victory over the Browns when he made a game-changing interception. In addition, their wealth of league experience was invaluable to a young team.
However, it appears that the Rams’ position group at defensive back may see a significant change in personnel the following season. Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake, two third-year safeties, are waiting for more playing time, and cornerback is a position the Rams might target in the draft or through free agency.
Will the Rams be able to accommodate these veterans in the upcoming season, particularly if they are seeking wage raises?
kicker
Next season, the Rams cannot afford to have another roller coaster at kicker. The Rams changed kickers three times between the beginning of training camp and the end of the season, with Brett Maher starting two of those stints and Mason Crosby making one appearance on the practice squad.
Since head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that the kicking situation was affecting his play calling and offensive decision-making, it would make sense for the Rams to investigate the options earlier in the off-season. There are a number of veterans available in free agency.
