Los Angeles Rams Roster
- NFC West
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- Head Coach
- Sean McVay
- Offensive Coordinator
- Kevin O'Connell
- Defensive Coordinator
- Brandon Staley
- Special Teams Coach
- John Bonamego
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
Even though Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald ranked sixth on NFL.com's Nick Shook's top-10 pass disruptors of 2019, the five-time All-Pro is still one of the best all-around pass-rushers in the league. He played more total snaps (882) than anyone else on the list, which is why his 15.7 percent disruption rate is a little lower. Donald's 267 quarterback pressures since 2016 are the most in the NFL in that span. His 69 QB pressures were second-most in 2019, and his pressure percentage (13.5) was the highest among interior linemen with a minimum of 300 pass rushes. The 29-year-old has made the Pro Bowl in each of his six seasons and has 72 sacks so far in his career. He's the real deal and is an elite IDP defensive lineman.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is entering the last year of his contract, and he told reporters on a video call that he does not intend to hold out. Ramsey was clear that he fully intends on reporting to training camp on time, but he also reiterated that the Rams know his contract demands. Ramsey's demeanor gave the impression that the two sides are no good footing so far, and Ramsey seemed excited to say that his new role with the team is expected to vary from just playing straight cornerback. Any extension for Ramsey expects to be a hefty one, but the expectation has been that the Rams would be extending him after they traded for him.
Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald seems unconcerned about the additional pressure pandemic protocol might place on his offseason training. Appearing in a conference call with the media on Thursday, Donald not-so-subtly showed off how his offseason workouts have gone by featuring a shirtless background photo of him flexing like he's being featured in a muscle magazine. He also reassured the media members that even though the team is adopting a new defensive scheme this year, he's still going to be well-prepared for combat. While Donald's words and impressive presence can puts minds at ease, it doesn't change the fact that there are 10 other guys on defense with him who will be learning a new scheme as well. Whether that scheme will take the league by storm or get stormed remains to be seen. It's hard not to like any scheme that has No. 99 at the center of it though.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Travin Howard looks to be the likely successor to Cory Littleton in 2020. Micah Kiser is the favorite to start on the inside on running downs. Howard and Kiser have combined for 103 career defensive snaps, so the Rams linebacking corps is definitely inexperienced. Outside of All-Pro defensive tackle and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, LA's defense is inexperienced and lacking in depth. In a division that features a lot of offensive firepower the Rams Defense suddenly looks extremely vulnerable.
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson, a second-round pick, could play more than Josh Reynolds in the long run, but Reynolds should have an immediate role in 2020 as an outside receiver now that Brandin Cooks is out of town. Jefferson did his best work in college on the inside, but the Rams already have Cooper Kupp out of the slot and two strong tight ends in Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. Don't automatically assume that Jefferson will see more targets than Reynolds, as the Rams have confidence that Reynolds can step in and help make up for the loss of Cooks. Jefferson is a dynamic route-runner, but temper expectations for him in his rookie season in redraft leagues.