The Rams boast a wealth of talent on their roster, yet there are still key areas in need of attention this offseason.
As they prepare for the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, the team has several immediate needs to address, whether for short-term solutions or long-range planning. It’ll be a pivotal time to assess both college prospects and strategies for free agency or potential trades.
Here are three primary focus areas for the Rams in Indianapolis next week.
Cornerback
The cornerback position is a must-upgrade for the Rams. Given that many players at this position will be free agents soon, their urgency is heightened. Starters like Koby Durant, along with backups Ahkello Witherspoon, Roger McCreary, and Derion Kendrick, may find themselves available next month.
Moreover, Darius Williams has only one year left on his contract, and the lack of guaranteed money makes his future uncertain. With a cap hit of $8.6 million, he might be released, especially if the Rams decide to invest in a multi-year deal for Durant.
The Rams will likely seek help through free agency—there’s been talk of interest in Chiefs corner Jalen Watson and Hawks’ Tarik Uhren—but they’d ideally want to unearth some talent during the draft.
That’s why their evaluations in Indianapolis will hold significant weight.
As they delve into the cornerback class, they’ll assess options like LSU’s Mansour Delane, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, Clemson’s Avion Terrell, and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse. For Day 2, keep an eye on players like Tennessee’s Colton Hood and Miami’s Keonte Scott.
Future Offensive Quarterback
Matthew Stafford is set to return for another season, although details about his contract remain murky. As the Rams contemplate life after the 38-year-old quarterback, they’re gearing up for a smooth transition when the time comes.
While there’s no rush, having two first-round picks gives them the flexibility to explore options at quarterback. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is an appealing prospect, although he’ll likely be off the board before the Rams pick.
Still, there are a handful of quarterbacks who could develop into NFL starters. It’s all about finding someone willing to put in the necessary development time. Would the Rams take a chance on a young talent? They might, especially in the case of Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who shows potential but needs more growth.
They’ll get the chance to meet with him in Indianapolis, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they bring him back for a closer look later on.
But Simpson isn’t the only quarterback the Rams are eyeing. Other noteworthy names include Penn State’s Drew Allard and Miami’s Carson Beck.
Right Tackle
Rob Havenstein’s retirement, marking the end of the last player’s connection to St. Louis, presents a significant shift at right tackle. While his departure is notable, it follows a lengthy absence last season due to ankle issues, which allowed the Rams to evaluate Warren McClendon Jr. He started ten games and, according to Pro Football Focus, performed reasonably well in blocking situations.
Now the Rams face a dilemma—not just whether McClendon is poised to take on a starting role moving forward, but also how much they’re willing to invest in him when he eventually becomes a free agent.
There’s also the chance they may scout younger options in the draft to nurture behind McClendon. A name to consider is Oregon State’s Isaiah Worlds, who might be an intriguing draft-and-stash candidate, even though he’s sidelined from the Combine due to injury.
Other potential picks to monitor include Florida’s Austin Barber and Penn State’s Drew Shelton.
