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Which position groups should have Rams fans concerned heading into the summer?
The Los Angeles Rams have broken for the summer break and will return for training camp in mid-July. At this point, the roster is pretty set and any addition outside of a big trade would be minimal. Still, there are still questions at certain position groups. Let’s take a look at the position groups that I’m most concerned about heading into the summer.
This position group includes the Rams defensive line and edge rushers. It only makes sense to include them in the same category as they work in tandem. With Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske, the Rams already had one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. Byron Young is a good complementary edge rusher and then the Rams signed Poona Ford in free agency.
Last year, this is a group that didn’t have many glaring weaknesses. If there was one, it was stopping the run and Ford will provide a boost there. In fantasy football, there is sometimes a player or position group that you can just “set it and forget it.” That’s the defensive front for the Rams. This group ranked inside the top-10 in quarterback pressure rate last season and will continue to grow together in 2025. If there is any concern heading into next season, it’s wondering whether or not they can sustain the success from last year.
Concern Level: 2/10
There isn’t a lot to worry about when Matthew Stafford is under center. With Stafford at quarterback, the Rams have the chance to win every single game. That was the case last season in the win against the Buffalo Bills in which Stafford outplayed Josh Allen. When Stafford is on, he is a top-five quarterback in the NFL. If the Rams can get that Stafford over a stretch of four games, that’s enough to win a Super Bowl.
If there is a concern with Stafford it is his age and level of consistency. From Weeks 1-9 last year, Stafford ranked 22nd in EPA per play. That was slightly better over the second half of the season as Stafford was 12th. However, much of that was impacted by the performance against the Bills. The Rams need Stafford to show more consistency in 2025 if they’re going to take the next step. Behind Stafford, the Rams have Jimmy Garoppolo who can be trusted to run the offense.
Concern Level: 3/10
In a Sean McVay offense, wide receivers are rarely a concern. While the team cut Cooper Kupp, they also signed Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nacua. That duo will be one of the most threatening to opposing defenses in the NFL next season. Adams may not be the caliber of player that he was three years ago, but he can still be a top-20 wide receiver. That’s enough for what the Rams need.
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