Los Angeles Rams: Talent is better than you think
Los Angeles Rams lacking in talent? That may not be quite as much the case as many perceive.
Reports of the Los Angeles Rams talent, or lack thereof, may be premature. In fact, the Rams have the most talented player in the league and another player in the Top 50, according to Pro Football Focus.
The report lists Aaron Donald as the No. 1 player, even though that praise comes with a caveat:
"With J.J. Watt injured in 2016, there has been no more consistently dominant force in the NFL over the past couple of seasons than Donald. The Rams defensive lineman has been a one-man wrecking crew inside whether against the run or as a pass-rusher. He has tallied a ridiculous 161 total pressures over the past two seasons, and 90 defensive stops, generating both pressure, and decisive pressure, at a completely different rate to any other defensive tackle."
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With all due respect to Watt, that’s why it’s imperative for the Rams to come to a long-term agreement with Donald. If he was a beast before the arrival of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, imagine what the Rams will be able to do once they put the supporting cast around Donald that Phillips wants.
The Rams also have the No. 36 player in their clutches in free-agent find Andrew Whitworth. The 35-year old may not be the long-term answer the Rams need at left tackle. But he may be the steadying force that promising quarterback Jared Goff needs to gain confidence and grow into the leader the franchise needs.
Of Whitworth, Pro Football Focus says:
"The only thing keeping Whitworth from being higher on this list is the fact that he is 35 years old and the inevitable knowledge that sooner or later he has to begin to display that reality on the field. Last season, Whitworth was once again one of the game’s best left tackles, and he allowed just 14 total pressures all season."
Next: 2017 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: Post-OTAs
Donald and Whitworth provide more than a foundation for Rams talent. They provide hope. And with 31-year old head coach Sean McVay in charge, hope can go a long way. So before you write off the Rams as a talentless bunch, thing again, and buy into that hope.