Two-time Pro Bowl free agent Melvin Gordon is clearly not a fan of Sean McVay or the Los Angeles Rams at the moment. So much so, Gordon believes both are the blame for the declining running back market he’s a part of.

And in the process, Gordon became the process of his own blasting by members of the “Rams House.”

Speaking on The Jim Rome Show Friday, June 23, Gordon declared the RB position “literally the worst position to play in the NFL right now.” But he dove further into pointing the finger at the Super Bowl winning head coach and the Rams.

“In my opinion, I think after Todd got paid and then Sean McVay came out and said, ‘I will never pay a running back again; I’ll just use them and rotate them out,’ I think after that statement was made — and then I think they won the Super Bowl — it was like everybody just followed suit, I think,” Gordon said to Rome. “I kind of think that’s where everything just started going downhill.”

Fans Come Out in Full Force Following Gordon Comments

Ram fans and analysts, however, questioned Gordon’s rhetoric in ripping McVay.

Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire on USA Today said “there’s no evidence of” McVay saying he would never pay a running back post Gurley.

One Rams fan believes Gordon is making this point out of jealousy.

“He has always been jealous of Gurley and Rams lol,” the fan said.

One more fan defended McVay and the Rams when they parted ways with Gurley.

“McVay and the Rams never gave up on Todd Gurley. Todd Gurley’s knees gave up on Todd Gurley,” the fan said.

Yet, one more Rams fan gave a more in-depth reasoning explaining the RB market following the Gordon comments.

“The running back situation is a direct result of the Rookie Contract Agreement. These poor guys have maybe five years max at their peek. Most of that is squandered in their rookie years. They are getting the raw end of the deal. As a GM [general manager] I wouldn’t pay for any RB, just draft fresh legs and build your O-Line and other key positions,” the fan said.

Gordon Among Notable Names Still Available via Free Agency

Gordon’s chances of joining the Rams additionally lowered when the franchise pivoted back to Sony Michel to add one more depth piece to the backfield, which was on Tuesday, June 20.

Gordon, though, represents a telling list of still-available players at his position — which are guys with past Pro Bowl credentials who have yet signed anywhere.

Ezekiel Elliott remains unsigned after the Dallas Cowboys released him during the offseason, the same Elliott who once won the league’s rushing title his rookie season of 2016 and has three Pro Bowls in tow.

Dalvin Cook was one of the more recent releases, as the four-time Pro Bowl parted ways with the Minnesota Vikings on June 9. Cook remains unsigned even with four 1,000-yard seasons in his career.

Even Super Bowl winners like Leonard Fournette remain without a team. Fournette has two 1,000-yard seasons in tow. Lastly, Kareem Hunt is a free agent and recently updated his current status on Friday.

The Los Angeles Rams have officially locked in their rookie passer.

While the team unveiled Stetson Bennett being one of two members of the 2023 draft class signing their rookie contract, the details of his first NFL deal emerged on Thursday, June 22.

When Bennett’s Deal Ends & How Much He’ll Make

Per Over the Cap, here’s what the fourth round selection Bennett will have through his first deal:

Contract value: Bennett will earn a total of $4,539,132 across four seasons in the league. Annually, Bennett will make $1,134,783 per season with the Rams.

Fully guaranteed money: Bennett will make $699,132 in that category.

Signing Bonus: Bennett has a $699,140 earning there.

Salary cap charge and cash payout: Both will be $750,000.

Base salary: Bennett’s salary ahead of the 2023 season will also be at $750,000.

As for when his first deal will end, Bennett’s contract will be good until the 2026 season…when he’ll be 29.

With Bennett signed, the fan reaction surfaced online on social media. Including from Georgia Bulldog fans — also known as the fan base he won two national titles in front of.

“I’m happy for Stet. Keep proving these haters wrong,” one fan of the Bulldogs said on Twitter.

“He got that ‘DAWG’ in him!!!” another fan said.

Matthew Stafford Reacts to What he Saw From Bennett During OTAs and Minicamp

Before Bennett signed his official rookie deal, he was showing what he was capable of in the Rams offense during his first voluntary team practices during organized team activities (OTAs) and in mandatory minicamp.

Bennett managed to win over the Rams with his composure and willingness to stay in the pocket, so he can let the routes develop. A lot still needs to be seen from Bennett as the Rams now turn their attention to training camp in late July. However, one fellow Georgia star has taken a liking to what he’s seen from the rookie: Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ QB1.

“Stetson’s done a nice job. Obviously It’s a lot to process and a lot to learn for a young guy. He’s done a nice job,” Stafford told reporters on June 14 following minicamp practice in Thousand Oaks.

Stafford even gave a brief, but detailed, early scouting report of what he’s seen on the field next to Cal Lutheran.

“He’s got great athleticism, throws it really well. He does a lot of things really well, so I’m happy for him,” Stafford said. “As far as our receiving corps, there are so many guys on it right now. It’s a deep group. We’ve got a good mix of veteran guys and young guys, guys that have played a little bit, guys that have played a lot. I know all of them are hungry to get better and learn, which is what you want as a quarterback.”

He also added how Bennett and the rookies are hitting his line about information regarding the Rams’ system — which Stafford loves.

“They are always communicating with me and the other guys, just trying to make sure that they’re doing what we think the offense should be doing and being in the right place at the right time,” Stafford said.

The Los Angeles Rams appear to be in better shape in the wide receiving room after making two signings in Tyler Johnson and Demarcus Robinson — both of whom bring their own Super Bowl ring in tow.

However, NFL analyst Evan Craig of SB Nation believes the Rams shouldn’t stop at just Johnson and Robinson. L.A. is being called to closely monitor $5.4 million wideout Denzel Mims and his current situation out east.

“The Los Angeles Rams have a lot to figure out regarding their receiving corps ahead of the 2023 season. This offseason, they’ve already added veteran playmakers in Tyler Johnson and Demarcus Robinson. Another pass catcher wouldn’t hurt and LA should be monitoring Denzel Mims’ ongoing saga with the New York Jets,” Craig wrote on Thursday, June 22.

Denzel Mims Facing Possible Cut?

Per New York Jets insider for The Athletic Zach Rosenblatt on Tuesday, June 20, the 2020 second-rounder could be facing long odds in making the 2023 roster.

“He participated in OTAs early but not the latter half, for unknown reasons,” Rosenblatt said. “Mims faces an uphill climb to making the team.”

Rosenblatt even shared a quote from Mims’ head coach Robert Saleh in addressing Mims’ status with the team.

“The big thing for him is to show up and keep finding ways to make his mark,” Saleh said.

Again, this points to Mims being a fringe lock to earn a place on the final 53-man roster with the Jets. He’s already in the final year of his rookie deal, making him a free agent for 2024.

But he’s facing a newly crowded Jets WR room — one that’s additionally catering to new quarterback and 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers. The team signed past Rodgers receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to bolster this unit. Rodgers also has 1,000-yard 2022 rookie Garrett Wilson to throw to. The Jets then added a former Kansas City Chiefs teammate of the new Ram Robinson Mecole Hardman, though Hardman is still recovering from an abdominal injury from last season per Rosenblatt.

Still, the trio of new additions and the emergence of the 2022 first-rounder Wilson all point to a nebulous future for Mims, who was part of the same draft class as Cam Akers and Van Jefferson of the Rams.

Jets Connection on Rams Could Help Sway Decision

While the Rams added two wideouts during voluntary practices earlier in June 2023, the Rams did become one less a receiver by waiving undrafted rookie Sam James out of West Virginia on Wednesday, June 21.

If there is room for the Rams to possibly add Mims if he’s released from New York, there’s one connection that is capable of coming into play for the Rams: the new offensive coordinator.

Mike LaFleur was Mims’ OC in 2021 and 2022. During both seasons, Mims averaged more than 16 yards a catch. However, Mims only managed a combined seven starts in those two seasons and tallied 19 total receptions across the two seasons. Even then, Mims began to appear lost in the shuffle of Jets WRs. Yet, despite the limited number of touches, Mims showed his breakout potential when given the ball:

Mims was best known for blazing his 40-yard dash in 4.38 out of college. LaFleur even once compared Mims’ potential to NBA star Kevin Durant in December 2021.

Craig believes Mims needs to be at a place where he can be better utilized as a playmaker “to take pressure off Cooper Kupp,” hence why the Rams are mentioned. Yet, being linked back with LaFleur, as Craig points out, may not be a good thing for Mims.

“There is good news as Mims already has familiarity with new OC Mike LaFleur. The bad news is that Mims has familiarity with Mike LaFleur,” Craig wrote. “Part of the reason Mims hasn’t succeeded with the Jets was due to LaFleur not knowing what to do with him. He greatly mishandled his usage of the Baylor product and I don’t anticipate Mims being overly eager in working with his old coach on the Rams. LaFleur frequently spoke highly of Mims while he was in New York although that doesn’t mean anything if he couldn’t get the playmaker involved in the first place.”

Still, Craig adds: “If LaFleur is willing to learn from his mistakes and Mims earns a role carved out for him, then a reunion needs to happen. Hollywood is the perfect place for both men to rewrite their narratives across the NFL landscape.”

With James waived and the cloud forming on Mims’ Jets future, this situation is one bearing some monitoring.

Dalvin Cook is a free agent running back having familiarity with the Los Angeles Rams offense from last season. The Rams, though, ended up pivoting to someone who was in the team’s facility before.

Announced by the team on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 20, the franchise is welcoming back familiar face Sony Michel into the backfield.

Analysts Had Cook Mentioned as Rams Possibility

Cook, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on June 9, played for former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell last year and tallied 1,173 yards in what ended up being his last season in Minnesota. Cook was released due to salary cap reasons.

But the moment he became available, the Rams were mentioned by numerous analysts as a strong potential suitor for the four-time Pro Bowler. It was due to the fact that Cook was in a similar offense that Rams head coach Sean McVay likes to run with zone read looks. Plus the fact the Rams were still facing a thin backfield with only four available options during voluntary camps and minicamp in June.

The website bookies.com first gave the Rams one of the highest odds to sign Cook at +650 back on May 19. Even before on May 5, Bleacher Report analyst Nate LaJoie called the Rams a “safe option” for Cook.

“[The Rams] have had a lot of trials and tribulations at running back ever since Todd Gurley made his exit,” LaJoie said in a live video. “The Darrell Henderson experiment didn’t really work out. Cam Akers, when he’s at his best, I think he’s a very solid option, but we have seen him put the ball on the ground so many times. Getting a guy like Dalvin Cook, a true first and second down running back, I think that would be a safe option for Los Angeles.”

But now, Michel returns to the Rams — where he won Super Bowl 56 which was his second Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Reactions Come in on Michel’s Return

Michel was brought in originally after Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles during an offseason weight room workout on the eve of 2021 training camp.

The then former New England Patriots running back responded with 845 rushing yards — which was in seven starts with the Rams. But, his 21 receptions for 128 yards marked new career-bests for him through the air. Now, there are Ram fans energized about his return.

“Welcome back @Flyguy2stackz! Happy to have Sony Michel back in the RB group. Will never forget the stretch he had to finish the 2021 regular season. We needed that spark to set us up for a championship run,” said the Twitter account Rams on Film.

The Rams Brothers podcast is another welcoming the return of Michel.

“Would’ve preferred to have him back last year, but should provide some more veteran leadership (outside of Cam’s 3+ years) in that RB room. Never forget his 2021 December rushing totals. Legendary 4-week stretch,” they said via Twitter.

Blaine Grisak of SB Nation is another who felt the Rams would’ve benefitted from having Michel in 2022.

Michel, 28, bounced around between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. He now reunites with Akers but will be joined by Kyren Williams, Ronnie Rivers and rookie Zach Evans.

Former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield could face new competition in the race for the starting quarterback reins for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A free agent with a Super Bowl ring in tow happens to be in Tampa preparing for whichever team takes him in.

Per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Carson Wentz has been working out in Tampa with former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden. Wentz’s sessions also include having film study with the Ex-NFL coach who guided the Bucs to the franchise’s first Super Bowl win. The Super Bowl 52 winner with the Philadelphia Eagles Wentz, meanwhile, is still aiming to latch onto an NFL roster and revive his career as he remains an unrestricted free agent.

The mere fact that the 2017 Pro Bowler Wentz is in the backyard of Mayfield, plus the Bucs, fuels the speculation that the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft could sway the franchise into adding him.

Has Mayfield Underwhelmed? Or is Bucs QB Competition ‘Overblown?’

Mayfield used the month of December and first Sunday of January 2023 to revive his own career with the Rams.

Following his well-publicized departures from the Cleveland Browns (trade before training camp) and Carolina Panthers (released during the season), Mayfield won over Ram fans by helping end their long six-game slide in the December 8 home win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Mayfield is now the last Rams starting QB to win a game for L.A., as the Rams’ last victory was the Christmas Day rout of the Denver Broncos.

But now, multiple reports are pointing that Mayfield has underwhelmed in voluntary practices for the Bucs. One viral clip showed Bucs QBs including Mayfield overthrowing their targets.

That clip got NFL analyst for SB Nation Joseph Acosta to call the Bucs’ 2023 QB race “the saddest QB competition in NFL OTAs.”

Acosta added: “Of course, it is OTAs, and routes on air isn’t exactly what you want to use to judge QBs. It’s May, and this isn’t a sweeping indictment. However, going into OTAs, this group doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.”

However, Eric Edholm of nfl.com has a different term for the Bucs’ competition involving Mayfield: an “Overblown” storyline along with one other competition in the NFC East.

“Among battles not involving rookies, it’s even more drab. Should we be drumming up Sam Howell versus Jacoby Brissett as a heavyweight fight in Washington? Is Baker Mayfield versus Kyle Trask a gladiator showdown in Tampa? Perhaps Mayfield is due for a Geno Smith-like revival, or Howell or Trask can revive their college glory, but those feel like stretches,” Edholm wrote. “Sorry, folks. I suspect this just isn’t the year for sizzling QB competitions to burn up your screens.”

Sean McVay Updates Where Things are With Mayfield’s Potential Replacement

Back over to the “Rams House,” the race to find out who officially replaces Mayfield as the QB2 behind Matthew Stafford took shape during both OTAs and mandatory minicamps.

Stetson Bennett has had, arguably, the most watchful eyes as a rookie and past national title winner. Head coach Sean McVay updated where Bennett stood following minicamp on June 14.

“I think he’s taking it a day at a time, but I’ve been really pleased with him,” McVay told the L.A. media. “These settings, especially without the pads on, quarterbacks can’t get tackled, but I think you’ve seen steady progress.”

McVay added: “And you love the athleticism, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. But I like his demeanor. He just stays nice and steady, doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low, and he’s a fun guy to be around.”

Of course, Bennett isn’t the only one vying for a spot on the two-deep. Brett Rypien comes in as a veteran and past backup of Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson. Bennett and Rypien will have a rare but watchful competition for QB2 when the Rams head to training camp in late July.

The search to find the second wide receiving option next to Cooper Kupp officially intensified for the Los Angeles Rams on May 30 once the franchise brought in Tyler Johnson — during the voluntary practice sessions.

The four-year veteran gets a fresh start with another two-time Vince Lombardi Trophy winning franchise. But, the addition of the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout brings new congestion in the race to become the second option next to Kupp — which reopened once Allen Robinson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after he was originally supposed to be the WR2 opposite of the Super Bowl 56 Most Valuable Player.

The Super Bowl 55 winner Johnson is in a room with two more newcomers: Rookie from BYU Puka Nacua through the 2023 NFL Draft, then another previous Super Bowl champ in former Kansas City Chiefs wideout Demarcus Robinson, who signed toward the end of voluntary workouts on June 8.

Will it be Johnson, though, who emerges as the top complimentary receiving target next to Kupp? Especially given his experience over Nacua plus being with the Rams a couple weeks longer than Robinson? Johnson gave this answer to Heavy on Tuesday, June 13 following organized team activities (OTAs) in Thousand Oaks:

“It’s all in God’s hands,” Johnson told one-on-one to Heavy. “I’m just coming out here and looking forward to competing, then taking in everything day-by-day. My goal for myself is just get one percent better each day. I’m excited for that and excited for what’s ahead and I can’t wait.”

Johnson Has Never Been a WR2, But Has Been a WR1

If Johnson were to emerge as WR2, it’ll be his first time working his way towards one of the top two wide receiving options in his young NFL career.

While in Tampa, he settled for a lesser role while at a place that featured the following: four-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans as the veteran leader, fellow 1,000-yard wideout Chris Godwin who came off a 2019 Pro Bowl appearance, Scotty Miller as the speedy slot option, Antonio Brown as a veteran late addition and lastly, bringing tight end Rob Gronkowski out of retirement. Johnson ended up being no better than the fifth WR option, but still was reliable when Tom Brady and the Bucs needed a first down.

His stays with the Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders were on the truncated side, as Johnson only played in two games in 2022…both with the former.

But, he came to the league with leading wide receiving experience in tow. That was during his Minnesota Golden Gopher days.

Johnson went from converted quarterback and the state of Minnesota’s No. 5 overall prospect by 247Sports composite to back-to-back 1,000-yard wideout. And his numbers spiked across his next three seasons following some brief action his freshman season of 2016.

While he may be considered a non-threat to the title of WR1 to Kupp, he has thrived as a WR1 before while facing NFL talent in the Big 10. That can also bode well for the Rams if Kupp goes down like last year.

Johnson Gives Take on WR Room He’s in

It won’t be long before Johnson will run routes in front of fans representing the “Rams House” once the Rams trek to Crawford Field on the UCI campus.

For Johnson, the Rams will now represent the fifth WR room he’ll walk into since his final CFB season of 2019. Outside of Kupp, it’s anticipated to be a younger group featuring five rookies.

Johnson will now represent being one of the older veterans in the room alongside Kupp, Robinson and Van Jefferson as guys who have more than three seasons of experience. Johnson likes the concoction of youth and experience in the room.

“[There are] A lot of guys who have played a lot of football. I feel like this group is definitely going to be one of the good groups,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to go out there and work with them plus compete with them as well.”

But again, the “Rams House” presents his newest, best chance of being involved as one of the top two aerial options — a first as an NFL wideout.

Finding a true No. 1 cornerback in the post Jalen Ramsey universe will be a top defensive priority once the Los Angeles Rams reconvene for team activities in late July for training camp. While the Rams sound intrigued by the 2023 talent at the position, it’s still a young group with a mix of players who have yet to play two seasons in the league.

Former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown, once a starter and once paid $15 million by the team, comes off as that strong veteran presence who could erase the question mark attached to the ’23 CB room.

Brown Among Best Free Agents Available

Brown, 29, unfortunately began to walk into a Cowboys cornerback room that became more glutted with talent…from Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs, to perennial Pro Bowl newcomer and Super Bowl winner Stephon Gilmore all the way to last season’s interception leader DaRon Bland.

Brown is additionally making the comeback attempt from a torn ACL, which he sustained in December 2022. Still, Brown is highly thought of as a late free agent possibility. His name made the list of best free agent available for players under 30 by Bleacher Report. Despite the ACL ailment, Gary Davenport of B/R believes Brown is built to be an impact player with a resume from Dallas in 2021 that backs the claim up.

“Two years ago, Brown was a 16-game starter for the Cowboys. He topped 70 total tackles, intercepted three passes and even scored a touchdown. Brown allowed just 65 of 122 passes thrown in his direction to be completed in 2021 and posted a passer rating against of 78.4,” Davenport wrote. “For the record, that passer rating against is lower than Trevon Diggs’ was last year. And Darius Slay of the Eagles. Brown’s numbers weren’t quite as good in 2022, but he was still a solid NFL starter.”

Brown delivered his best personal marks that ’21 season with 71 total tackles, 59 solo stops plus an astonishing 17 pass deflections. Davenport adds that Brown has risen from setbacks before.

“Brown is no stranger to adversity — he was a seventh-round pick who rose from obscurity to a starting role,” Davenport said. “And given that resilience, it’s unwise to bet against him making it all the back from the Achilles injury.”

Current State of Rams CB Room Points to Veteran Possibility Needed

Again, there are reasons to point that the Rams do have a bright future at the corner position. Decobie Durant showed his potential for stardom and game-changing nature on Christmas Day 2022 against the Denver Broncos with his two-interception day. Derion Kendrick is another in the mix for a starting spot and has already started in six games, all while showing no fear in stepping up and challenging wideouts at the line of scrimmage.

However, it’s still a position group that features four different incoming rookies. Furthermore, in the absence of the captain and Super Bowl 56 winner Ramsey, the 2022 rookies Durant and Kendrick are officially among the older veterans in the CB room…in just their second season of the league.

That type of youth will soon face this gauntlet: The Seattle Seahawks’ new trio of Pro Bowlers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and prized first rounder Jaxson Smith-Njigba, then the San Francisco 49ers and their versatile weaponry of George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and their 1,000-yard representative from last season Brandon Aiyuk.

Brown would present the Rams a less-expensive presence given his comeback from an ACL injury. But he’s proven to be valuable when called upon and when healthy. The Rams will likely spend the downtime of late June to the week of July 24 evaluating their roster ahead of the ’23 season. Given how young the CB position is, adding a veteran like Brown can certainly help ease concerns over the youth in the CB room.

New Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson found a way to make proficient use of his iPad time before his official signing, one that involved him avoiding catching up on Netflix shows or spending several hours scrolling social media.

The incoming fourth-year wideout shared with Heavy that during a time he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans, he was studying a past Super Bowl Most Valuable Player through the device to inspire his own game at wide receiver — his eventual future teammate Cooper Kupp.

“I’ve been able to watch him for the past few years especially with me being on my iPad and studying the game,” Johnson said following his Wednesday, June 14 practice in Thousand Oaks. “Cooper is a great receiver. He pays attention to a lot of details. And that’s something that I’ve noticed being in a room with him.”

Johnson Aims to Learn More From the 2021 Triple Crown Leader

Johnson has spent two weeks with the Rams as a late post June 1 signing and was brought in during voluntary practices. He didn’t get a chance to be inside a huddle with Kupp until the 2021 All-Pro made his workout appearance for mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 13.

He’s gone from watching Kupp through his near 13-inch mobile device to now studying the game in the same WR room alongside the Super Bowl 56 MVP. And being in the presence of Kupp energizes Johnson moving forward in his new chapter with the Rams, including going from studying him to now learning from him on the same field.

“I just can’t wait to continue to be around him and continue to get coached up by him and learning the little things,” Johnson said. “It’s also always good to be coached up by your teammates, especially when they’re doing great in this league.”

Kupp became a model of consistency for wideouts like Johnson to follow in 2021. Kupp’s work ethic, route releases and astronomical production helped give younger receivers like Johnson a new blueprint to follow in how to dominate defenses.

Kupp himself will now attempt to recapture the form that turned him into both the league leader in all three receiving categories and earning the top award in the Super Bowl. His ’22 season ended with an ankle injury that left him with 75 catches, 812 yards and six touchdowns across nine games.

Kupp Not the First Pro Bowler Johnson Gets to be Next to

Johnson has been fortunate enough to play alongside two Pro Bowl talents in his first two seasons in the league with Tom Brady and Mike Evans, constantly learning from both and elevating his own game as a young wide receiver.

A bulk of his time, though, was spent in rooms with the latter — who holds four Pro Bowl appearances and his own Super Bowl ring alongside Johnson.

“It was amazing. Mike is a great guy. Mike is a brother to me. Thankful I was able to be around him,” Johnson said.

The focus now shifts to gaining nuggets from Kupp outside of his iPad, and taking elements from Kupp’s game and incorporating it into his.

“You can still get bits and pieces of other people’s games. I feel like being a receiver is all about learning — learning what you can do and learning what you can be better at,” Johnson said. “I’d like to steal tools from everybody, and that’s what makes somebody want to be a great receiver.”

Now that the Los Angeles Rams are wrapping up June 2023 minicamp, Sean McVay, Les Snead and company can turn their attention to who will head to UC Irvine in late July for training camp. And it began with announcing two roster changes — including for a spot where replacing a past Pro Bowler is needed.

Revealed by the team on the late afternoon of Thursday, June 15, the team announced a waive/no recall for two players: Collin Duncan and Christopher Dunn at defensive back and placekicker, respectively.

The latter decision, though, impacts who replaces 2021 Pro Bowler Matt Gay.

Speculation Builds That the Rams May Have Found Their Replacement for the Beloved PK

Though Gay isn’t considered a face of the league or was the face of the Rams, he was still beloved inside the “Rams House” for his powerful leg — a leg that came in handy in eliminating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the divisional round of the 2021 season.

That kick was additionally during his best season as a pro — which witnessed Gay hit seven of nine attempts from 50 yards out. He was also a flawless four-for-four from between 40-49 yards out and eight-for-eight inside 30. Gay only missed two field goal attempts during the Super Bowl 56 run — both from more than 49 yards out.

Now that he’s with the Indianapolis Colts, finding the replacement for Gay became one of the rare top priorities for the Rams this offseason. Now, following the waive for Dunn, fans have began wondering if the Rams may have found his replacement.

“Interesting. They must like the Oklahoma State rookie kicker Tanner Brown more,” one fan said on Twitter in reacting to the transaction.

Dunn, though, came to the Rams as the 2022 Lou Groza Award winner — which honors the best placekicker in college football. He was also a consensus First-Team All-American while at North Carolina State. He even became the NCAA career leader in field goals made with 97 and scored 491 total career points according to the NC State football website. He also led the nation in field goals per game.

Again, the decision to waive Dunn presents the theory that the Rams will turn to Brown moving forward.

“I am surprised Brown beat out Dunn, the best kicker in college in 2022. Maybe they go out and sign a vet? Hate being in this position, kicker is so important. Should’ve found a way to pay Matt Gay in my opinion,” one more Rams fan said.

Duncan Began Facing Crowded DB Room, Especially Safety

Duncan, meanwhile, faced more longer odds in making the final 53-man Rams roster.

He entered a safety room that featured 2021 captain Jordan Fuller returning from injury, plus has 2022 draft pick Quentin Lake vying for a starting role now that last season’s starters Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott are with the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively.

Duncan, though, was one of five rookies in the safety room following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now the Rams safety room outside of Fuller and Lake features undrafted rookies Tanner Ingle (a NC State teammate of Dunn’s), Quindell Johnson (Memphis), Jason Taylor II (Oklahoma State) and Rashad Torrance II (Florida).

As a rookie wide receiver, a “starstruck” Tyler Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams got to play with Tom Brady, but he quickly realized he had to go from fanboy to coworker.

Still, Brady caught Johnson by surprise when they were teammates on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson told Heavy.

“I remember he sent me a text. And I was just kind of starstruck. I didn’t know what to say back,” Johnson told Heavy at the Rams’ June 14 minicamp session. “I was, like, ‘Damn, Tom Brady just hit my line.’ But I was starstruck, for real, just having access to him and me growing up watching him.”

Tyler Johnson Immediately Had to Shed Fanboy Moment

The Bucs drafted Johnson in the fifth round (161st overall) out of Minnesota in 2020, Brady’s first year in Tampa Bay — and 20th in the league. Johnson was 21 years at the time and Brady had already won six Super Bowls. Over time, the inner fan in Johnson had to be replaced with a serious-coworker demeanor.

“Me being around him, it got normal as time went on and it became, ‘This is my teammate now,'” Johnson told Heavy. “I’m still a fan, but I’m not a fan. This is my teammate.”

Johnson started three games that season, collecting 12 receptions for 169 yards and catching two touchdowns thrown by Brady. He won over Bucs fans with a diving catch in Tampa Bay’s NFC divisional playoff upset over the New Orleans Saints.

Then, against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship, Johnson made a critical diving catch with the NFC title on the line. The Bucs went on to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in the Super Bowl. Johnson had one target but no receptions.

During their run to the title, Johnson saw firsthand how fiery Brady was. “Very competitive,” he said. “Tom Brady is one of the greatest of all time.”

Being around him, though, made Johnson want to elevate his own play.

“It was a blessing to be able to be under him so early. It made me want to be better myself,” Johnson said. “He was able to coach me up on some small things for my game and was able to take it up another notch. It just made me realize that there’s no room for error. It made me want to go out there and be great. You want to play up to 110% whenever you’re out on the field with him. I appreciate Tom for all that he’s done for me and all that he’s helped me with. He’s a great guy.”

Tyler Johnson Updates Adjustment to L.A.

Johnson started three games for the Bucs in 2021, catching no touchdowns, and was waived before the 2022 season. He is now on his fourth NFL stop after spending most of 2022 with the Houston Texans and, again, the Buccaneers. And he was briefly signed to a reserve/futures contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in January before signing with the Rams on May 30.

Is this offense one that mimics what he got used to with Brady and the Bucs? Or are the Rams a different speed?

“I mean, football is football,” Johnson told Heavy. “You have a lot of the same concepts but it’s different names. It’s all about being able to learn the football language that’s in the building, so that’s important to me. Like I said, I want to continue learning, so that’s what I want to do.”

Johnson, though, is embracing both his new surroundings and new teammates.

“I love it man. I love the city, I love the culture here that coach [Sean] McVay has for us,” he said. “I’m excited to be here. And I’m thankful to be here. Just ready to showcase my work each day and looking forward to getting one percent better.”

If there’s any wide receiver on the Los Angeles Rams who many fans and analysts believe is on the hot seat out of this 2023 group, it’s third-year wideout and former second rounder Tutu Atwell who’s had a relatively slow start to his NFL career.

Now, the heat index has intensified with the Rams adding two Super Bowl winning wide receivers during 2023 organized team activities (OTAs) in Tyler Johnson and Demarcus Robinson — who could make this WR room more crowded with Atwell scrapping for action. However, head coach Sean McVay has seen Atwell respond by making dynamic plays during practices at Thousand Oaks…leading McVay to tell the L.A. media on Tuesday, June 13 that Atwell has been one of the highlights during this camp season.

“I think Tutu Atwell has been outstanding,” McVay said. “He’s been a real bright spot, very comfortable.”

What McVay notices out of the diminutive 5-foot-9 wide receiver: how much his confidence has changed during this camp season.

“You can see just the comfort in playing a lot of snaps last year, gaining some confidence and then being able to move around. That’ll be really valuable,” McVay said.

Atwell Given Strong Prediction Ahead of 2023

McVay has seen positive effort from the player they took first in their 2021 NFL Draft. But he’s not the only one optimistic about Atwell.

Count Pro Football Focus as another who is a believer in Atwell ahead of the season. He was the lone Rams representative who made PFF’s list of six NFL players who will improve ahead of the ’23 campaign.

Like McVay, PFF’s Brad Speilberger has seen flashes of potential from Atwell — enough to convince the PFF analyst that Atwell has potential to breakout.

“Atwell played just 10 snaps in his rookie 2021 season after being selected in the second round, and even in a limited role last year, he displayed the big-play ability that had him drafted so early in the first place despite his 5-foot-9, 165-pound stature. Atwell only recorded 18 total receptions on the year, but five of them went for 20 or more yards, and his 17.3 yards per reception ranked eighth among wide receivers on the season,” Speilberger wrote.

Can Atwell Breakout?

To reiterate, it’s a more crowded wideouts room in the “Rams House.”

Not only does Atwell have two new Super Bowl winning teammates, but rookie Puka Nacua has emerged with some early buzz and praise during both OTAs and minicamps.

But even with the two championship wideouts on board and the rising rookie, Atwell still has a shot to move into this pivotal role on the Rams: WR2 next to WR1 Cooper Kupp now that one veteran was dealt away.

“Now that the Rams traded away Allen Robinson II to the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn’t bring in much talent at the wide receiver position this offseason besides drafting BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua in the fifth round, Atwell could have an expanded role,” Speilberger said.

Another benefit that could elevate Atwell’s play? A heathier quarterback behind center.

“Last but certainly not least, a full season with a healthy Matthew Stafford could go a long way for Atwell’s deep-threat ability. From 2017-21, Stafford’s 264 completions on passes thrown 15-plus yards downfield ranked the fourth-most among all quarterbacks.”

Outside of the Los Angeles Rams but in close proximity, one Los Angeles Chargers defender will be aiming to reclaim his Pro Bowl status and prove his $82.5 million deal he signed in 2022 was worth every coin and dollar.

J.C. Jackson is entering 2023 on the hot seat. He’s not only aiming to return from his ruptured patellar tendon he sustained during the ’22 season, but will aim to shed his struggles before the injury and recapture his New England Patriots form. But as insurance, analyst Jerry Trotta of FanSided’s Bolts Beat believes former Rams cornerback Troy Hill should come in and provide a help, or push, for Jackson.

“Even before the injury, Jackson looked like a shell of the lockdown No. 1 corner he was for the Patriots the previous two seasons,” Trotta wrote.

Hill has Ties to Chargers HC & Can Help Prevent Bolts From Forcing Seventh Rounder Into Action

The slot cornerback Hill remains unsigned after his 2022 return to the Rams. He was added back via trade with the Cleveland Browns during the ’22 draft.

But what could help persuade the Bolts is Hill’s previous ties with head coach Brandon Staley, who was Hill’s defensive coordinator during the 2020 season when the Rams fielded the league’s best defense.

That was also during arguably Hill’s best season — as he allowed a 74.3 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks, a 67.0% completion rate and just a 74.3 passer rating to opposing QBs per Pro Football Focus.

Adding the slot cornerback (or nickelback) Hill gives Staley some familiarity with his scheme and coverages. But as Trotta points out, luring in Hill would also prevent some pressure for one late day three draft pick the Chargers took in May 2022.

“Unless the Chargers are ready to entrust 2022 seventh-round pick Deane Leonard with a bigger role, they should peruse the market for more experience,” Trotta said. “With over $12 million in available cap space, it’s not like they don’t have the necessary resources.”

Hill Proved to be Valuable With the Rams

Hill may not have been a walking star power like Jalen Ramsey. But he was often considered the second most popular member of the Rams secondary, plus became valuable as a veteran voice.

Granted, last season may not have been up to his personal standards while playing for Raheem Morris for the first time. Yet, still flashed some key moments and earned a high grade in one category.

“Hill struggled in coverage last season, but he has a long track record of providing stability to a secondary and even being a difference-maker. While 2022 was considered a down year in coverage for Hill’s standards, he still packed a punch against the run, earning a 77.4 run-defense grade,” Trotta wrote. “He also logged 77 snaps in the box, which is a testament to his ability to wear multiple hats in a defense.”

Another aspect that could benefit Staley: Hill’s knack for lining up in other areas.

“Further, he’s capable of playing outside or in the slot, logging 452 snaps and 172 snaps at each position, respectively,” Trotta said.

Jackson is on his road to recovery. But there are still concerns he may not be fully ready by the time August hits. Adding Hill not only provides needed depth, but a strong veteran presence in a younger cornerback room plus someone who has thrived under Staley before.

“Hill isn’t a must-get by any stretch of the imagination, but the Chargers could use another corner behind the aforementioned foursome and Hill’s ties to Brandon Staley could make it a worthwhile move,” Trotta said.

Star power remains on the Los Angeles Rams even after an offseason that saw notable leaders drift away via free agency or by trade.

One young Ram, though, earned the label of “secret superstar” by one national analyst on Monday, June 12.

Doug Farrar of USA Today not only unveiled his 2023 “All-Underrated Team,” but the lone Rams representative is emerging 23-year-old linebacker Ernest Jones.

“The Rams are clearly in a rebuilding phase, which leaves them a bit shy on underrated players. But Jones, selected in the third round of the 2021 draft out of South Carolina, qualifies,” Farrar wrote in stating his reasons for calling the inside linebacker the “secret superstar” and lone member of his underrated team. “He can close to the quarterback as a blitzer from two levels (Jones had three sacks and 12 quarterback pressures in his rookie season), he’s effective in coverage (Farrar pointed out interception of Derek Carr from the December 8 contest that ended the Rams’ losing streak), and he’s improved as a run defender.”

Farrar concluded how the Rams have the makings of a completely different defense with an infusion of youth. This defense additionally has Aaron Donald aging as he’s in his early 30s. However, the incoming third-year pro is establishing himself as a building block of the future for the Rams defense moving forward.

“As the Rams look to overhaul their defense, at least they have Jones as an ascending player as they start to fill things in around him,” Farrar said.

Rams Assistant Discussed Growing Leadership Role for Jones

Jones is far removed from being a rookie linebacker with Donald in front of him and Von Miller aligned next to him. He’s also pivoting away from being that young ILB standing next to Bobby Wagner and learning new knowledge being in a room with a perennial Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner.

The stars are lining up for Jones to establish himself as a locker room voice and emerging captain on the Rams. But he’s also on a defense where another Rams veteran defender in Michael Hoecht could establish himself as one of the main leaders of the unit.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during organized team activities (OTAs) liked how Hoecht took charge of his role in lead-by-example fashion, as one who lined up in multiple defensive spots. Morris, though, believes Jones is entering a different situation when it comes to establishing himself as a leader.

“Ernest kind of came in a little bit differently than Hoecht in that leadership position. It’s like drafting a quarterback. No matter what round you get drafted as a quarterback, you got a certain amount of leadership responsibility. It’s no different in our room as like either safety or inside linebacker. So not to disregard your Hoecht leadership role and really give the credit to the inside linebacker position, (which) really holds that leadership role just in general around the league,” Morris explained on May 31 with the L.A. media. “You’re talking about the close calls, you’re talking about setting defenses, you’re talking about potential of being a green dot, whether it be him or a safety. And right now, Ernest is our green dot going out throughout the process doing some of those things, so he’s certainly developed.”

Morris added how Jones being in a room with Wagner “certainly helped him from off the field standpoint, and certainly an on the field standpoint.”

Morris is just as stoked about seeing how much Jones can grow.

“Really fired up to see where he can go this year. Really fired up about Ernest and what he can become,” Morris said.

Rams Super Bowl Winner Also Made All-Underrated List

Jones was the Rams representative by Farrar. But a past Ram made his list too.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who won Super Bowl 56 with Jones and L.A., was the Cleveland Browns’ representative. Farrar wrote how the Ex-Ram “seems to be on the brink of greatness” as he gets a new start after spending last season with the Houston Texans.

“The Rams took Okoronkwo out of Oklahoma in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, and he played a rotational role through his first three NFL seasons. The one-year, $3.25 million deal he signed with the Houston Texans in 2022 was the best possible thing that could have happened to him — he basically doubled his snaps, and his production went through the roof, especially at the end of the 2022 season. From Weeks 13-18, Okoronkwo’s five sacks and 24 total pressures had him in the NFL’s top 10 in both categories, and the development showed up on tape,” Farrar wrote.

Farrar believes that despite “Ogbo” being a lesser known name across the league, he’s an ascending edge rusher equipped with a “killer spin move” and bull rush. And now he gets to be paired with four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Myles Garrett.

The Los Angeles Rams spent their 2023 NFL draft aiming to upgrade the pass rush and lured in five defenders with a personal history of attacking the quarterback.

But many NFL analysts still are in the belief the Rams should add one more piece to the lineup — and were mentioned among the list of NFL suitors for one $72 million Pro Bowler who not only has become the subject of trade chatter ahead of minicamps, but officially began his holdout on Monday, June 12 per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero: Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings.

Tyler Forness of Vikings Wire on USA Today is the believer who sees the “Rams House” as a strong destination for the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end. One reason? Getting needed help for three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who’s had established veteran help before in the form of past Pro Bowlers alongside him. Another reason? Forness doesn’t sound convinced about the state of the pass rush room outside of Donald.

“They only have 11 career sacks from players on the roster from players not named Donald,” Forness wrote. “They also have a history of trading a lot of draft capital for veteran players. Would they do the same for Hunter? With their history and having their full slate of picks in 2024, it’s possible.”

Current State of Hunter & Vikings

Beginning with Hunter, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first revealed on June 7 that the Vikings have received trade calls for Hunter. On Monday morning, Pelissero reported that Hunter plans to skip out on the Vikings’ mandatory minicamp.

“The sides haven’t seen eye-to-eye on a new contract. @RapSheet reported Minnesota has received trade calls, and now one of the NFL’s top pass rushers is officially a holdout,” Pelissero tweeted.

That additionally means Hunter won’t be around former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, who’s entering his second season of running the Vikes as head coach.

Given Hunter’s age at 28, plus coming off 10.5 sacks last season which led to his third Pro Bowl nod, Hunter could see a solid late trade market for teams seeking to upgrade their pass rush. Forness mentions division rival the Chicago Bears as one of the top suitors. The San Francisco 49ers were another mention by Forness. One other 49ers analyst hinted the Niners should consider adding him to their already-stacked defensive line.

But would the Rams consider gravitating toward adding Hunter?

Rams Current Draft Capital & Cap Room Could Become Dilemma

It’s easy to understand why Hunter’s name is attached to the Rams. Not just because of a Rams 2023 edge rush room loaded with curiosity and question marks on if they can produce out the gate, but because of the franchise’s past history of adding veterans with multiple Pro Bowls in tow. Von Miller and Bobby Wagner come to mind — the former coming via a late 2021 trade during the season.

However, adding Hunter could cause this disruption: General manager Les Snead and the remodel plan he helped implement for the Rams following 2022.

The addition of the defensive rookies are a part of Snead and the Rams’ remodel obligation. Furthermore, the Rams selected Byron Young out of Tennessee as their first defensive selection in the third round…which points to the 6-foot-2, 248-pound pass rusher to be counted on early to ignite a spot Leonard Floyd vacates…also the spot where “Flo” led the team with nine sacks.

Also, based off of past rhetoric from Snead, the Rams sound like their new plan will involve turning more to the draft from 2024 and beyond. And the Rams are set to hold a first-round pick in next season’s NFL draft — a first in the era of Snead and Sean McVay.

It’s likely teams would have to sacrifice a first and second-rounder to add Hunter given his age and production. While the Rams have their history of sacrificing both to bolster their roster through a veteran approach, adding Hunter runs the risk of reversing the current roster remodeling plan Snead preached after the 5-12 season.

Given his talent, Hunter will draw trade interest. But based on the Rams’ current plan, his chances of hearing from someone inside the “Rams House” will likely be slim.

It’s one thing to be a young defensive lineman walking into a facility and seeing Aaron Donald either lifting weights or manhandling a blocking sled. That young defender likely would become in awe of being in the presence of the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the Los Angeles Rams.

But here’s another aspect that young defender should think hard about — benefitting early in lining up next to Donald. That’s where the first defender the Rams selected Byron Young enters the picture.

Young, named a contender for the title of “the biggest sleeper” among the edge rusher draft class by SB Nation before the 2023 NFL Draft, gets to be the next edge rusher to fire off from the line of scrimmage with “A.D” next to him. And as one former Rams defender reminded fans last year, there’s the “A.D effect no one talks about” that has great potential to come into play for the rookie.

How ‘A.D. Effect’ Can Rub Off Young

Fifteen days after the Rams and Donald snatched the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February 2022, former Rams defensive lineman and member of the Rams’ broadcast team D’Marco Farr took to Twitter mention “The A.D. Effect.”

Farr, who won the franchise’s first Super Bowl in the 1999 season when the Rams were in St. Louis, mentioned how pass rushers on the edge have benefitted greatly next to Donald the moment they’re paired up with the perennial Pro Bowler.

Farr focused on how Dante Fowler delivered 13.5 sacks in a span of 20 games the moment he joined the Rams. But once he became teammates with Donald, the speedy edge rusher delivered his first career double-digit sack season of 11.5 in 2019. Fowler additionally hit career-highs in total tackles with 58, solo stops with 40, tackles for a loss with 16, plus also delivered a career-best six pass deflections in his first full regular season aligned with Donald.

But it’s not just Fowler who witnessed a production ascension next to Donald. Farr pointed out former Ram Leonard Floyd as another beneficiary of the effect. Floyd, in his first season playing next to A.D., produced his first career double-digit sack season in 2020 with 10.5. Floyd wasn’t through from there — posting back-to-back nine sack seasons (nine last year to lead the Rams) with Donald paired up with “Flo.”

But others have had the presence of Donald ignite them as well into having career-best numbers or a rejuvenation. Here’s who else received a spark from Donald:

Greg Gaines: Though Gaines is built more for the interior, he went from a combined two sacks his first two seasons in the league to combining for 8.5 aligned next to Donald in 2021 and 2022. Gaines additionally has tallied 10 tackles for a loss in becoming a more full-time starter for the Rams in his last two campaigns with the franchise before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the offseason.

Von Miller: Even an established veteran like Miller needed Donald to help reignite his fire. Miller went from 4.5 sacks in his final seven games with the Denver Broncos to getting nine in his 12 games as a Ram.

Clay Matthews: The fellow Super Bowl winning defender was another who was given his chance of one last strong season with Donald on his side. Matthews ended his career producing eight sacks — his most since his 11-sack production of 2014 while with the Green Bay Packers.

Any Idea of How Young Would be Used in the Rams Defense?

Roles are still too be determined with the Rams now off to mandatory minicamp. And that includes where Young will be lined up in.

But if past history with Fowler and Miller are any indication, Young will be attacking at a multitude of spots depending on the matchup that gets presented — which could mean being in a “wide-9” outside defensive end angle or being in a stand-up rush position. But, with his reported 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash, the Rams and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could get convinced to use that speed on designed twist plays with Donald to confuse offenses — where Young becomes the one to knife through the middle as seen here versus Alabama:

Yet, with Floyd rejoining Miller with the Buffalo Bills, the Rams may get more convinced to plug Young over an offensive tackle early and let him draw one-on-ones there.

Regardless, Young has a great chance to allow “the A.D. effect” to jump start his career right away…and join a list of 8-10 sack defenders who had No. 99 by their side.

Aaron Rodgers is entering his first minicamp with the New York Jets. But is the legendary quarterback and 10-time Pro Bowler really walking into a scenario that mirrors what the Los Angeles Rams had installed?

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports presented this theory on Friday, June 9 in scrutinizing what Rodgers is really walking into, plus if it’s comparable to the NFC’s last two Super Bowl winners in the Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a time the Bucs had Tom Brady.

And there are some notable parallels the analyst presents that connects the dots that Rodgers could be walking into a structure Matthew Stafford moved towards back in 2021 with L.A.

Where Rams & Jets are Similar

While Trapasso believes the Bucs had a deeper wide receiving unit in Brady’s first year, the lineup Rodgers now has does “stack up very closely” to what Stafford had with the Rams.

“The following year (after the Bucs’ Super Bowl win), the Rams boasted Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, polished youngster Van Jefferson, and athletic tight end Tyler Higbee. Solid albeit unspectacular group after Kupp. They signed Odell Beckham Jr. in-season after his release from the Browns, and the flashy veteran caught five touchdowns down the stretch before snagging a pair of touchdowns in the postseason pre-Super Bowl injury,” Trapasso said. “The Jets stack up very closely. Not an envy-of-the-league unit. Hardly a pedestrian group either.”

Rodgers gets one emerging star to work with in Garrett Wilson, a 1,000-yard wideout his rookie year while playing for new Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

“Wilson is tracking toward stardom,” Trapasso said, while adding: “Allen Lazard is a unique big body with the utmost trust of Rodgers. Mecole Hardman can stretch defenses vertically. The collection of Corey Davis, Randall Cobb, and Denzel Mims make for a respectable albeit unspectacular depth trio.”

Outside of WRs, the Jets have a much different makeup in the backfield and offensive line from what Stafford had in his first go round in L.A. Stafford ended up relying on a late trade addition in Sony Michel to shoulder the load as Cam Akers was out with a torn Achilles. The Jets, meanwhile, have Breece Hall making his comeback from his devastating ACL tear. And, there’s chatter of Dalvin Cook being called a fit for the Jets.

But where else do the ’23 Jets and ’21 Rams compare to one another? One more area Trapasso shared is secondary structure as the Rams featured a brash cornerback in Jalen Ramsey who took on the best receiving assignments. Sauce Gardner is that defender for the Jets.

Rams Rookie Receives Surprise From Rodgers

Meanwhile, the Super Bowl 45 Most Valuable Player gave one Rams rookie a surprise.

Stetson Bennett was among the rookies featured in a video done by Fanatics released on Thursday, June 8. And the fourth rounder from Georgia received a message from Rodgers himself with the new Jet saying, “Stetson, loved watching you at Georgia.”

From there, the Rams newcomer was gifted a surprise: An autographed jersey from Rodgers himself. The complete video can be watched here.

Five days away from official kickoff of mandatory minicamp, and the Los Angeles Rams ended up adding one more option for Sean McVay and the offense on Thursday, June 8.

Per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams went on to sign veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who was last seen with the Baltimore Ravens but also has Super Bowl experience with winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the Kansas City Chiefs from the 2019 season.

“Another weapon for the #Rams: Per @KatzBrosSports, LA has agreed to terms with veteran WR Demarcus Robinson,” Rapoport tweeted.

Ravens Reporter Takes Liking to Signing, Plus Other Reactions

The Rams adding Robinson on a one-year deal earned its share of online strong and mixed opinions. But one Baltimore area reporter liked the move the Rams are making.

“One of the best late signs of this offseason. Good for D-Rob finding himself a new team. And now he gets to play on a good offense with a good passing production. Wish him well. He was solid here despite all the quarterback changes and our offensive coordinator being Greg Roman,” said Baltimore area sports editor Pedro H. Rhormes.

Others, but this time on the side of the “Rams House,” also chimed in with positivity on the signing.

“I think this is very good pickup. The former Raven and Chief brings good experience and ability to the position group. I suspect he will be in the rotation and even make an impact,” said the Twitter account Rams on Film via social media, who added that this “good pickup” should help Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

Robinson becomes not only the second wide receiver signing to the Rams in the past week, but he and fellow newcomer Tyler Johnson both come to the Rams with their past taste of winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy — as Johnson’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated Robinson and the Chiefs in Super Bowl 55.

Blaine Grisak of SB Nation, though, began to draw a theory that Robinson and Johnson could be pushing to rework the Rams’ current WR rotation.

“Within the last 10 days, the Rams have now added two wide receivers in Tyler Johnson and Demarcus Robinson,” Grisak posted. “If this means anything, it’s that they aren’t content at WR behind the top 4-5 guys. Clearly trying to add some experience.”

New State of Rams WR Room: Who Could Become the Odd Men Out?

Kupp made a return to OTAs following paternity leave on Tuesday, June 6. The Rams have been impressed with rookie Puka Nacua.

The rest of the room, though, isn’t exactly at full strength right now. But likely will be by training camp.

Still, the addition of Robinson now presents new thoughts on a remodeled WR room. The current now shapes up like this:

• Kupp, now entering his seventh season.
• Van Jefferson, who’s entering season four.
• Ben Skowronek, who played some fullback briefly and is entering year three.
• Tutu Atwell, also heading into his third season.
• The rookie Nacua is the lone draft pick of 2023 in this group.
• Austin Trammell, an undrafted signing from last year.
• Lance McCutcheon, also a UDFA addition in 2022.
• 2023 UDFA signings are — Xavier Smith (Florida A&M), Sam James (West Virginia), Tyler Hudson (Louisville) and Braxton Burmeister (San Diego State).

Now, Robinson and Johnson are heading into this group…and the thinking here is that the first five WRs mentioned are safe with their roster spots, but the veterans could be there to eventually push out the ones who came in as undrafted players.

With Bobby Wagner, Jalen Ramsey and Matt Gay all gone, the Los Angeles Rams are now in a situation where they have three leadership voids to fill.

It’s early to say who could move into a captain role. However, head coach Sean McVay revealed someone who has emerged as a leader for his group — and it’s someone who’s come a long way from last season: Cam Akers.

“He’s a guy that we’re definitely counting on. I’ve loved the way that he’s exuded leadership in that room, but also for our team in general,” McVay told the L.A. media following their Tuesday, June 6 practice during the Rams’ organized team activities (OTAs) period.

McVay Dives Into What’s Also Helping Akers

With Akers turning a new leaf on the field, it’s a continuous reversal of Akers’ mid-2022 season.

For a brief moment, Akers was absent from both practices and two games from the Rams — which were the home contests against the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers in October. An apparent conflict between he and the team led to his absence from the team — which was categorized as “personal reasons.”

Akers, though, eventually returned to the Rams for the November 6 road contest against Tampa Bay. But, he ended 2022 winning over McVay and the Rams again with his high production — ending the year with three consecutive 100-yard games including a three-touchdown outing on Christmas Day versus the Denver Broncos.

What has additionally helped his trek to handling a leadership role is his building rapport with his newest running backs coach Ron Gould.

“I think he was able to really leave off the season on a bright spot and then Ron Gould coming in, what a great job he’s done: detailed, so thorough, a great track record and history of being around a lot of great backs (Gould once coached a young Marshawn Lynch at Cal), but he’s such a great person and I think he and Cam have really established a really good rapport,” McVay said.

McVay, though, insists that Akers hasn’t changed personality wise. But he’s taken on a workman, lead-by-example approach with what the head coach also adds comes with a positive aura during practices.

“But Cam’s got a natural charisma and a presence about him that people are drawn to and when he’s got the right vibe and the right energy, that’s a real positive thing for our team,” McVay said.

McVay Adds Another Back has Stood Out, Plus Roster Spot Opens

McVay isn’t just speaking highly of Akers in the Rams’ running back room.

There’s another young talent on the roster who’s caught McVay and the Rams’ attention.

“And I also think (RB) Kyren Williams is another guy that’s really stood out,” McVay said of his now second-year RB out of Norte Dame. “He’s done a great job, but Ron Gould, Cam, Kyren, they’ve done a great job setting the tone in the right way for that running back room.”

Williams is anticipated to become involved in a underrated RB battle for RB2 duties behind Akers. He’s returning alongside fellow second-year pro Ronnie Rivers (who made one start last season) and highly anticipated newcomer Zach Evans.

Meanwhile, a roster spot opened up via the backfield. The Rams announced Monday that undrafted rookie Tiyon Evans, who came to L.A. out of Louisville, was waived.

Evans ran for 525 yards and scored six times in 2022. He also played at Tennessee where he was brief teammates with 2023 third round selection Byron Young.

While the Los Angeles Rams witnessed two of their free agent quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield and John Wolford land together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bryce Perkins remains without an NFL home.

However, he managed to tryout for one aspiring NFC contender.

Per Dallas Cowboys team reporter Patrik Walker on Monday, June 5, Perkins was among the free agents who had a workout with the NFC Divisional round qualifier from last season. Perkins, who was a brief starter for the Rams during an injury ravaged 2022 season, was among seven tryouts and two quarterbacks who worked out in front of Cowboys personnel — the other passer being Jacob Eason, who’s bounced around the league since being taken in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Perkins Once Dazzled Rams Fans During Preseason

Perkins gave Ram fans reason for excitement once the calendar hit August.

The former Virginia Cavalier did much more than bring a dual-threat element to the Rams. Also a flair for escaping:

And he added an element normally seen in the spring time or in the summer Olympics: Hurdling.

More startling for Perkins, it was revealed in 2021 by Next Gen Stats that his speed was the second-fastest compared to the NFL’s fastest man Tyreek Hill. Perkins was timed at 21.07 miles per hour — 0.49 seconds away from Hill.

While Perkins became a fan favorite during the preseason, he didn’t officially make his NFL regular season debut until the November 27, 2022 road contest against the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Perkins ended that contest completing 13 passes out of 23 attempts for 100 yards and threw one touchdown with two interceptions, as the Rams fell 26-10. Perkins, though, kept drives alive with his legs: earning 44 yards on nine carries and averaging 4.89 yards per carry.

That game ended up being Perkins’ final start for the Rams, as the team pivoted back to Wolford the following week before eventually handing the reins over to Mayfield.

WR Cooper Kupp Reveals Desire to Improve in Certain Area Involving QB Play

Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp has walked into a much different Rams facility with new faces in the QB room.

Sure, Matthew Stafford is back for his third campaign with the Rams. But now there’s two new backups getting used to the Thousand Oaks practice site: Rookie Stetson Bennett and free agent signing Brett Rypien.

Still, Kupp shared with the L.A. media on Tuesday that he aims to improve in one area involving he and Stafford — timing.

“Oh certainly, and we’ve already been talking about what that’s going to look like before training camp,” Kupp said in his first appearance at Rams organized team activities (OTAs). “And we certainly know there’s obviously plenty of time in training camp, but we want to maximize these next couple of months and the time we get to have together outside of OTAs as well. And we’ll make sure that we get that time and dial things up. We’re in constant communication about stuff and how things are looking, but without a doubt there’s no substitute for playing football and taking the reps.”

Cooper Kupp made his official return to the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, June 6 as he was away on paternity leave. But while there was excitement from Rams Twitter for the return of the franchise’s top wide receiver and Super Bowl 56 Most Valuable Player, Kupp went ahead and shared his excitement for somebody else: a new addition to the Rams’ offense.

Kupp himself has become a fan of rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua.

“He’s pretty special,” Kupp began with the L.A. media following a rainy practice in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday, June 6. “If he has a good trajectory, he’s going to be a very good football player in this league.”

Kupp Speaks on the BYU Cougar’s Work Ethic

While Kupp hasn’t officially gotten the chance to run routes next to the BYU Cougar standout during the Rams’ organized team activities (OTAs), the seventh-year wideout has taken a glance at how Nacua operates on the practice field next to the Cal Lutheran campus.

“I love the way that he attacks each day,” Kupp shared. “He’s got a great feel for the game.”

A previous scouting report done by Bleacher Report wrote down how Nacua had “good speed,” “great burst and explosion” and could “run a vertical route tree effectively.” However, B/R identified how Nacua had a limited route tree in Provo, Utah — which placed the Cougars in a position where he had to be used as a gadget player.

Kupp, though, gave a detailed scouting report on what he’s seen from the newest Ram from a receiving skills standpoint.

“[He’s] got great feel for leverage and running routes,” Kupp said.

He added how Nacua has been a strong processor in picking up the routes and concepts of the Rams offense.

“You know, you come in and you’re running new concepts and things like that…but things you’ve done before to get open might not fit within the realm of the things we want to do here. But he’s managed to transition so quickly over to understanding what the parameters are,” Kupp said. “He’s got a great feel for attacking leverage plus how to stick things with timing on when he needs to show up for things. And he’s asking the right questions. I’m really excited about him.”

Sean McVay Reacts to What He’s Seen From Nacua

Kupp has seen already how fast of a learner Nacua is. But does his head coach Sean McVay see the same thing?

“It’s been really impressive how quickly he’s gotten up to speed,” McVay said of Nacua to L.A. reporters. “I think you can’t say enough about (Wide Receivers Coach) Eric Yarber, (Offensive Line Assistant) KJ Black, (Pass Game Specialist) Jake Peetz, those guys have done a great job and he’s really conscientious.”

There’s more that’s benefitting Nacua: his new teammates.

“(QB) Matthew (Stafford) has done a great job of really just kind of taking him under his wing and being able to kind of just help give those little nuances, having (WR) Cooper (Kupp) back [as well]. So he’s smart, he’s conscientious,” McVay said. “It’s hard to really compare to anybody because a lot of those guys, whether you talk about (former Rams WR) Robert (Woods’) first year, Cooper’s rookie year, having (former Rams WR) Sammy (Watkins) but then ended up having (former Rams WR) Brandin Cooks, there’s been a standard set in that room where there’s been really conscientious players. Even if you go with (former Rams WR) Josh Reynolds, how quickly (WR) Van (Jefferson) has done a great job of grasping the offense. And so, he’s a guy that we’re expecting him to come in, expecting him to be able to contribute and compete.”

While the rookie has won over the head coach and the Rams’ most dynamic wideout, it’s still not set in stone that Nacua will get lots of action. But, by the wording of both, the Cougar is off to a great start.

“Every spot is going to be earned on this team, but I really like what he’s done and I think it’s a credit to everybody around him and his conscientiousness,” McVay said.

Going from the “Rams House” to “Bills Mafia” took on a new theme on the morning of Monday, June 5 for both the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. This time, former $64 million edge rusher Leonard Floyd became the latest to rejoin his Ex-Rams teammates in Western New York, signing a one-year deal per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

There’s plenty of past Rams representation on the Bills. The team signed Floyd’s former teammates David Edwards and Taylor Rapp at guard and safety, respectively, during the 2023 free agency cycle. Of course, the Bills also swooped up Von Miller last year following Miller’s run at the Vince Lombardi Trophy with the Rams.

But speaking of Miller, NFL insider for Sports Illustrated Albert Breer gave this detail explaining the reason behind the Bills adding “Flo” to the lineup.

“Good insurance in case Von Miller can’t start the season,” Breer shared.

Miller ended 2022 on injured reserve due to a torn ACL. Based off Breer’s words, Miller is still uncertain to be cleared for football related activities come training camp. The Bills moving ahead in adding Floyd helps give Buffalo breathing room in the edge rush department.

What Floyd Brings to ‘Bills Mafia’

Floyd wasn’t labeled a major star near Hollywood for the Rams. But his supporting role proved to be valuable for the L.A. pass rush. He’s likely to bolster the supporting cast next to a healthier Miller and new $68 million man in defensive tackle Ed Oliver.

The Bills will additionally get a pass rusher who’s been on a hot streak production wise. The moment he arrived to the City of Angels via the Chicago Bears, his sack numbers rose.

Floyd’s first season with the Rams ended with 10.5 sacks, his first double-digit sack season. He stayed above nine sacks the next two seasons — which includes the Super Bowl 56 run.

Last season, with longtime leader in sacks Aaron Donald out toward the end of ’22 with a high ankle sprain, Floyd ended the year as the Rams’ top sack artist with nine sacks. He also happened to be one of the last 2021 edge rushers left standing as the team parted ways with Justin Hollins and Terrell Lewis during the season.

Floyd gives a blend of power and bend to the Bills pressure. Both came in handy the last time he teamed with Miller. But now, Floyd enters a room with Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa — both of whom combined for 14.5 sacks in 2022.

Floyd’s addition is also considered a step into improving a pass rush that mysteriously wore down against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs.

Who’s Capable of Becoming the ‘Flo’ for the Rams in 2023?

Now that Floyd is signed and reuniting with his past Rams teammates in the Eastern time zone, the Rams can continue to turn their attention to finding out who will not only replace him, but have the potential to lead this team in sacks like he did.

Donald will be the heavy contender as he treks his way to becoming fully healthy. But “A.D.” will still command lots of blocking attention. Someone next to Donald will have to knife through and collect the sacks when Donald faces a field traffic jam. Who are the best contenders? Here are three:

Byron Young: The 77th overall pick was taken in the third round for a reason — to reignite the pass rush especially in the absence of Floyd. Young lacks Floyd’s length, but the former Tennessee Volunteer has a combination of arm length and foot speed to slip past offensive linemen. He’s also an inside gap attacker…perfect for Donald once he’s tied up.

Michael Hoecht: It appears that Hoecht’s move to edge is here to stay. He brings a fiery mix of power and tenacity to the position. A big thing for him will be getting to the quarterback quick to lead the way in sacks.

Daniel Hardy: The Rams became excited about Hardy’s prospects during 2022 training camp. His foot explosion was a reason why. Now, Hardy has a great chance to hold off the incoming edge rushers (including Young) to cement his case as a starter, plus possible “Flo” replacement.

As Kobie Turner has noticed, the tempo is a lot higher and faster than what he got accustomed to at Winston-Salem, North Carolina with Wake Forest, especially pre-shoulder pads. Regardless if the new interior defensive tackle is performing a “punch” drill on the sleds or competing in 11-on-11 team drills, nothing is done through slow motion from what he’s seen. And his newest coaches demand the energy levels to stay up.

Turner, however, has embraced the full speed approach before he officially puts the shoulder pads and helmet on for the Rams — plus is loving the fiery energy from his newest coaches from Sean McVay to Raheem Morris.

“Just all over the coaching staff, there’s this contagious energy. I love it,” Turner told Heavy in a one-on-one interview following the Rams’ Wednesday, May 31 practice near Cal Lutheran. “The game of football is a fun game and it’s a business up here, for sure. But they bring the energy to these meetings and practices. And that makes me a better player. I’m able to play with that energy and understand more so the passion of football.”

Were the Demon Deacons Near Similar in Tempo?

Turner rose from Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) star at Richmond to third round selection — showing he can adjust to the speed and rigors of Power 5 conference football with the Demon Deacons.

But during his Wake Forest practices, Turner noticed the intensity volume crank up once the full football armor came on. The practices in shorts and helmet were more on the chill and laid back side. Are the Rams the same from what he got used to?

“It’s different. There’s more intensity without having pads on,” Turner admits. “So like, when we’re going full on practices with pads on, it’s a little bit different [at WF]. But you can already feel the intensity and you can already feel the competition and the edge everybody brings to even these practices [in Thousand Oaks] before everyone throws on pads. I’m excited to see what it’s going to be.”

Already, he’s loving the “Dawg Work” motto that became popularized by Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson.

“I’m embracing it a lot,” Turner said. “And I’m soaking it all up because he has so much to teach me about the game. NFL football is different from college football and I’m here to get my PHD in NFL football to truly understand the game that’s going to help me play a lot faster. Being able to learn from him and get that experience and that wealth of knowledge that he already has is already effecting my game.”

Turner Feels Different Vibe With the 2023 Rams

The 2022 Rams went from reigning Super Bowl champions to taking a historic fall. Following a 5-win season, the belief from analysts and fans are skepticism inside the practice facility or that team doing a slow build back to winning.

Turner, however, doesn’t feel that notion at all in being around the Rams.

“For sure. We’re not striving to win eight or nine games,” Turner said. “The mindset is to go all the way. Whatever it takes in putting in whatever we need to be the best team we can be, at the end of the day it’s all going to work itself out.”

What is the ceiling Turner feels out of this Rams group?

“We’re not looking to win a certain amount of games. We’re looking to go all the way,” Turner said.

Many NFL fans and analysts blasted the Los Angeles Rams following what they received from the March 2023 Jalen Ramsey trade to the Miami Dolphins.

The Rams not only gained a 2023 third round draft selection with the deal, which gave them Byron Young of Tennessee, but the Rams first received little-known tight end Hunter Long — who has spent his career as a reserve.

However, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski believes the newest 6-foot-5 option for the offense is capable of being more impactful than many believe — writing Long’s name down on Sunday, June 4 as one of nine players primed for a breakout season with their new team.

“As part of the Jalen Ramsey trade, the Los Angeles Rams received a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long from the Miami Dolphins. Long’s inclusion shouldn’t be overlooked, because he can play a big part of in Sean McVay’s offensive scheme,” Sobleski said.

Why Long Could Impact the Rams Than What Others Believe

Again, Long isn’t considered a household name in the league — or even during his brief time with the Dolphins.

Long only has one catch for eight yards during his regular season career according to Pro Football Reference. He’s also started in just two games while seeing part-time action in 16 total contests. He’s been more on the reserved size following his arrival to the league out of Boston College.

“After being a third-round pick in 2021, the 6-foot-5, 254-pound Long primarily served as an in-line blocker for the Dolphins,” Sobleski wrote. “But he left the collegiate ranks as an accomplished receiver, with first-team all-conference credentials.”

Long was indeed a valuable receiving option in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His receptions and yardage totals improved each season — going from four catches his first collegiate season to 57 his final CFB year of 2020. He also ended the coronavirus season of ’20 with 685 yards and five receiving touchdowns, two more career-best marks. He was even described as a “pass-catching tight end with decent speed and plus ball skills” by nfl.com draft expert Lance Zierlein ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.

While the Rams are already set at tight end with a longtime veteran and one of the last Rams from the Jeff Fisher era, Long could still make a push for increased snaps as an extra receiver off a look McVay likes to throw.

“Tight end Tyler Higbee led the Rams in targets last season, though Cooper Kupp’s ankle injury certainly played its part. A healthy Kupp will return as Matthew Stafford’s top target, but 12 personnel packages with Higbee and Long on the field at the same time might become the new norm,” Sobleski said.

That could mean a new, needed red zone presence for the Rams in 2023.

State of Rams TE Room

Is tight end a strength heading into 2023 in the “Rams House?”

Time will tell, but it is a position that could use more consistency and healthy options.

“Big Rig Higs” has been the stalwart at this spot under McVay, but he has a history of not staying healthy and has had games where there’s a notable drop off in his catches.

Brycen Hopkins has also stuck around, as he enters season four. However, the Super Bowl 56 winner is entering a contract year.

Then there’s Christian Sims rounding out the rest of the room, who comes over as an undrafted rookie out of Bowling Green. Sims caught 94 career passes for 948 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Long is likely in a battle with Hopkins for TE2. But his receiving background could provide a needed jolt for this position. What could also help Long and the Ram tight ends? New offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur previously helped oversee George Kittle’s career-best 1,377-yard season of 2018 when he was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Even decorated young defenders want to impact the game the way Aaron Donald has for the Los Angeles Rams.

Count two-time Pro Bowler and $17 million star Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys as one who wants to have an “A.D” like impact ahead of the 2023 season.

What Inspires Parsons in Looking at Donald

Parsons has been everything the Cowboys have asked for with 26.5 sacks in his first two seasons out of Penn State. However, the edge rusher told the Dallas media on Thursday, June 1 that he doesn’t want to be defined by sacks anymore.

“I’m kind of off the ‘sack wave.’ I’m onto the ‘impact wave,” Parsons declared to reporters.

And that’s when he used the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year as his example.

“You see Aaron Donald. He can have 12 sacks, but the impact he makes is so dominant,” Parsons shared. “You can tell. I really just want to be dominant.”

Parsons concluded that even a pass rusher like him who hits up to 17 sacks sometimes still get called “one of the guys” in the league or on their team. He wants to be defined as something else…which is a title Donald himself holds.

“You see guys who have 16 to 17 sacks, but they’re not considered ‘a guy.’ I want to be ‘a guy,’ not ‘one of the guys,” Parsons said. “You feel me? I’m not chasing for something. I’m trying to achieve and be greater than someone who is chasing.”

Another words: Parsons clearly wants to prove he can impact the game without getting sacks or tackles…a la Donald. He wants to command the kind of attention that opens a door of destruction for the other Cowboy defenders of his — similar to what Donald has done for names like Dante Fowler, Von Miller, Greg Gaines and others who lined up next to “A.D.”

National Outlet Continues to Rank Donald High

An annual occurrence for Pro Football Focus: Placing Donald as the No. 1 overall defensive lineman or their top player overall.

And while Donald couldn’t finish out the season with a high ankle sprain and earned his lowest PFF grade in their history of rankings, Donald still reigns supreme as the top interior defender heading into the season.

“Despite posting his lowest PFF grade since his rookie year, Donald remains a dominant force on the defensive interior. In his nine-year career, he has produced 90.0-plus PFF grades in every season. Last year, he recorded 40 pressures on 396 pass-rushing snaps, so the production was still there even in an injury-marred season,” PFF’s Gordon McGuinness wrote on Tuesday, May 30.

However, PFF mentioned two names who could threaten Donald’s throne. The first name is the No. 2 on the list Chris Jones of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

“Jones may be on his way to surpassing Donald as the top interior defender in the NFL. His 92.3 PFF grade in 2022 was the best in the league at the position. With a career-high 97 pressures from 741 pass-rushing snaps, including the playoffs, Jones has established himself as a formidable force in the trenches,” McGuiness wrote.

The next threat is one who signed a blockbuster $87.5 million deal during the offseason and will soon team with Donald’s Ex-Rams teammate A’Shawn Robinson: Dexter Lawrence, who came in at No. 3 for PFF.

“Lawrence experienced a breakout 2022 season, earning a career-best 91.6 PFF grade. And at just 25 years old, he still has room to grow and could threaten Donald and Jones with another big season. Including the playoffs, he produced 70 pressures on 577 pass-rushing snaps, proving to be a disruptive force for opposing offenses all year long,” McGuiness wrote.

But to this day, the 32-year-old Donald still has a profound impact on other defenders like Parsons — to the point they’ll aim to deliver their own “A.D.” presence.

The only “splash” new additions for the Los Angeles Rams during the 2023 offseason came outside of the March free agency period.

But of all the newcomers, it’s a safety from the Southeastern Conference realm who earned the title of “Most Exciting” free agent addition post-draft by Bleacher Report on Monday, May 29: Florida’s Rashad Torrence II.

Torrence was ‘All Over the Place’ for Gators

Rare that an SEC defender, let alone a Florida Gator who has starting experience, falls out of the NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 193-pound Torrence, though, had his reasons attached to him.

One was his 40-yard dash time — which was one of the slowest for his position group.

“Rashad Torrence II is a litmus test for how important you think athletic testing is. Torrence ran the second-slowest 40-yard dash (4.72) among all safeties at the combine with teammate Trey Dean III right behind him (4.75),” Alex Ballentine of B/R wrote. “That’s obviously a concern for someone who played the majority of their snaps as a deep safety. According to PFF [Pro Football Focus], he logged 370 deep snaps with another 103 in the slot and 184 in the box.”

Yet, the Rams became convinced to take a flyer on Torrence. Even with that designated slow speed, Torrence found a way to make up for it on the field.

“Despite the lack of speed, Torrance was all over the place with 87 tackles for the Gators last season,” Ballentine said.

There’s also the belief that the safety will grow into his role down the road.

“It’s worth noting that he’s young too. He turned 21 in March and left Florida early. He might need to add weight to his 6’0″, 193 pound frame, but he has some of the makings of a box safety/linebacker hybrid in the league,” Ballentine said.

That aforementioned hybrid role bodes well for this spot that’s open on the Rams: Jalen Ramsey‘s ‘star’ position.

The All-Pro cornerback often played near the linebackers and was plugged in multiple spots on the field during his time with the Rams. Now, Ramsey is off to the Miami Dolphins which creates open competition for that vacated defensive spot. Could Torrence be up for the taking?

Rams DC Gives Early Update on ‘Star’ Contenders

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris became one who immediately addressed who could fill for the multiple Pro Bowler Ramsey at the “star” with the L.A. media on Wednesday, May 31.

“It’s hard to even mention Jalen, because like he’s the prototype for every position,” Morris began. “But when you talk about what it is, it’s really the increased toughness. It’s really the short space quickness, and when you put a guy like the (DB) Cobie (Durant) and you put a young (DB Shaun) Jolly in there, they definitely have those tools and those attributes. They definitely lack the size that Jalen had, which is kind of unique. But those are the things that we look for. Those are things that you look for in just around the league in general.”

That helps answer who has gotten the bulk of the reps at Ramsey’s “star” slot.

“And those guys that we have right now going out to getting those reps are certainly showing those attributes and being able to do some of those things,” Morris said. “Jalen provided sort of a unique ability just with his size, either outside corner or whether you played him inside, I don’t think it really mattered. (He’s) kind of unique in his own right.”

There may have been no mention of Torrence. But, he has a chance to show his capability in playing that spot bequeathed by Ramsey — and go from “most exciting” UDFA addition to “breakout” addition.

Stetson Bennett isn’t the only one absorbing as much information as he can during Los Angeles Rams practices in Thousand Oaks. His newest offensive coordinator is also in a learning mode next to Sean McVay — educating himself on the Rams’ personnel and their strengths, including discovering what the rookie quarterback brings to the mix.

Mike LaFleur, however, already sounds like he’s taken a liking to the 2023 fourth rounder. He not only told the L.A. media on Wednesday, May 31 how invested the national title winner is, but also shared when Bennett is at his best so far during OTAs.

“Well, he’s really invested in this thing, you know? And we knew that coming in. Just obviously the success he had at Georgia and our scouting department. (General Manager) Les (Snead) and all those guys just doing a great job of letting us know what kind of guy he is. But again, he’s like everyone else,” LaFleur said. “I mean, there’s times he’s swimming out there in terms of just how much information we’re giving him.

And that’s when the first-year offensive coordinator of the Rams unveiled where Bennett’s strength is from what he’s seen so far.

“I think he’s best when the ball is just snapped,” LaFleur said. “All this stuff is new to him in terms of the verbiage, but when that ball snaps, you can just tell it’s not too big for him. He can breathe easy when that ball snaps and he’s got kind of that natural gamer to him.”

Has Stetson Bennett Impressed So Far?

Bennett is yet to officially throw his first NFL pass. In fact, the next time he takes the field will be August 12 at the same venue he won his 2022 season national title at in SoFi Stadium.

However, the fourth rounder has dazzled on play action roll outs — as seen here via the Rams Twitter account from Wednesday:

Bennett, though, is still in a studying mode inside the Rams’ practice facility near Cal Lutheran and in his hotel room. But what also helps the decorated Bulldogs passer is being around another beloved Georgia Bulldog in Matthew Stafford.

“He remembers what it was like whenever he was me, a younger guy not really having a full concept of it,” Bennett said to reporters following May 23 practice. “And so he dumbs it down for me and just says, ‘look here, look there, blah, blah, blah. So that’s where listening to him and how he applies the simple stuff to the complex stuff (helps).”

Is Stetson Bennett Already QB2?

Way too early to say that Bennett is the second option behind Stafford. Both Georgia stars and free agent signing Brett Rypien have gotten their share of reps behind center.

But again, Bennett’s strength from what LaFleur has seen early on is what happens after the snap.

“Same kind of thing I was saying earlier: When that ball snaps, that’s probably when he is at his best right now in terms of just continuing to learn the verbiage and all that kind of stuff and managing that huddle, that’s all new. All these words are new and that’s always the biggest struggle for all the positions, particularly the quarterback,” LaFleur said. “So he’s continuing to work on it. I know he puts in a lot of time with our (Quarterbacks Coach/Pass Game Coordinator) Zac Robinson, whether it be on the weekends, or obviously during the week getting script ready and stuff like that. But when that ball is snapped, he’s a football player and it shows out there.”

Bennett becomes the first rookie quarterback LaFleur will work with since Zach Wilson of 2021 while with the New York Jets.

Before his arrival with the Los Angeles Rams, Kobie Turner was described as an “extremely powerful” trench defender armed with heavy hands and strength by nfl.com draft expert Lance Zierlein.

Turner made exceptional use of both on Wednesday, May 31 during OTAs — slipping past the interior offensive line during team drills for two stops for a loss, while also using his hands to violently deliver a thunderous pop noise that could be heard loud and clear from Mountclef Ridge to the Cal Lutheran campus in Thousand Oaks.

But did that intensity come from watching a future new teammate of his in Aaron Donald while at Wake Forest and Richmond?

Turner Answers if Donald Was Part of Film Study

Speaking one-on-one with Heavy following the Rams’ Wednesday practice, the 89th overall pick from the 2023 NFL draft revealed that watching the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year became a part of both Richmond and Wake Forest’s film sessions with the defensive linemen.

“I watched him every year. I remember multiple years with different coaches having film studies on his work and just the way he approaches the game, his hand placement and the moves that he’s done,” Turner shared.

Turner, who comes in standing an inch taller than Donald at 6-foot-2 while weighing 288 pounds, scrutinized Donald’s hands and how he uses the appendages to his advantage when facing blockers.

“I’ve emulated or have tried to emulate the best that I could and incorporate into my own game,” Turner sad. “When you’re the best to ever do it, I’ve definitely spent a lot of time learning from him before even getting here.”

Did those study hours in watching “A.D” help? Turner went on to dominate in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) including back-to-back First Team honors in the truncated spring 2021 season and fall ’21 campaign. He went on to snatch 158 total tackles, 65 solo stops and added 15 career sacks for the Spiders. He also added three forced fumbles and recovered three fumbles.

Then, he established himself as an All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) performer in his redshirt senior season of last year with the Demon Deacons. He went on to post a 92.2 Pro Football Focus rating — the second-best mark for a collegiate defensive lineman among Power 5 schools. His proof in transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) realm to Power 5 football eventually boosted his draft stock.

Has Turner Already Won Over Donald?

Now, Turner gets to be in the same room with a man called the greatest of all time for defensive linemen. And one who still isn’t slowing down even as he’s now in his early 30s.

Has Turner already won over Donald? Or is he still trying to develop the relationship?

“It’s still something I’m trying to build,” Turner said regarding getting to know Donald.

Donald has been away from the Rams’ voluntary practices as he spends time with his family. In the process, the rookie Turner has been able to work in some reps with the veteran first-team Ram defenders from Michael Hoecht, to Marquise Copeland all the way to third-year inside linebacker Ernest Jones. But it doesn’t mean Turner hasn’t talked to Donald yet.

“The first week I was here, I got to interact with him and see how he works and how he approaches everything,” Turner said.

As the Rams trek toward the 2023 season, Turner is confident in this area involving Donald.

“I know that relationship will build as I gain his trust,” he said.

As of Thursday, June 1, the closest a former member of the Arizona Cardinals will get to the Los Angeles Rams is ex-head coach Kliff Kingsbury being invited to their practices — which was seen on Wednesday, May 31.

Free agent DeAndre Hopkins is already considered a longshot to head inside the “Rams House.” But now, one insider revealed Hopkins likely won’t become teammates with two former Rams starters either.

Hopkins to Bills a ‘Long Shot,’ Insider Says

Via Tim Graham of The Athletic, the perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver “probably isn’t joining the Buffalo Bills.”

The Bills have been jokingly dubbed the L.A. Rams East by fans for taking in past Ram stars — a la Von Miller in the 2022 offseason and in 2023, added former Rams safety and member of the Super Bowl 56 team Taylor Rapp. The Bills also once had Rodger Saffold on the offensive line (last played in 2022) and briefly had wide receiver and Ex-Ram Tavon Austin.

Hopkins’ name had been floating around as an idea for “Bills Mafia” the moment he expressed having interest down the road in possibly playing with Josh Allen with I Am Athlete. The Bills were also considered one of the teams facing the highest odds in landing “D-Hop” as he remains without an NFL home.

However, Graham spoke with three unnamed executives with direct knowledge of the Hopkins situation. The conclusion drawn for the Bills? They simply don’t have the money to accommodate Hopkins.

“One of those sources called Buffalo ‘a long shot’ to land Hopkins,” Graham reported. “The Arizona Cardinals released him last week, snuffing a contract with a base salary of $19.45 million this season. Two of the executives said Hopkins wants a deal similar to what the Baltimore Ravens gave Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a one-year deal worth $15 million guaranteed with another $3 million in incentives.”

The Bills were once considered a potential landing spot via trade, as Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer revealed the Bills being among the interested in adding “D-Hop.” Money, however, was a determining factor in backing away. The Athletic also confirmed that Hopkins spoke to general manager of the Bills, Brandon Beane.

But now, Hopkins’ chances of being around the Bills are diminishing. And they’re not the only ones.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy helped squash the idea of his team adding Hopkins, telling the Dallas media Thursday “I really like the look of our (wide receiver) group. The vertical speed is definitely — you know, we made some improvement there.”

Rams Assistant Loves Maturity of Rookie, Saying There’s No ‘Babying’ Needed

As mentioned before, the addition of Puka Nacua via the 2023 draft helps erase the thought of Hopkins coming on board.

Turns out the BYU Cougar is already winning over his newest offensive coordinator not just through his play, but maturity.

Speaking with reporters following the Wednesday OTAs practice, Mike LaFleur revealed what he likes so far from the late-round find by the Rams.

“He’s a good-sized kid. He’s got a good frame to him. He catches the ball really effortlessly,” LaFleur stated. “He can stay grounded through the catch and so he is doing a good job with it. And particularly moving him around quite a bit, not babying him at all with the motions and the alignments and stuff like that and so he’s doing a good job.”

LaFleur adds how he loves the fact Nacua is among a group of newcomers who have chosen to “swim” with the Rams.

“You can tell, all you have to do is look at these – especially the young guys – just look at their eyes when they’re in the huddle and you can tell the guys that are swimming, the guys that aren’t and he definitely has a calm demeanor about himself and is fitting in nicely,” LaFleur said.

In the absence of Cooper Kupp, the 177th overall selection has gotten a chance to earn some valuable reps near Cal Lutheran at Thousand Oaks. Nacua has gotten his share of targets from Matthew Stafford while also working with fellow rookie Stetson Bennett.

Raheem Morris of the Los Angeles Rams managed to save the life of a child drowning in a pool while on vacation in Las Vegas — leading to a bevy of warm praises including from inside the “Rams House.”

The defensive coordinator revealed to Paolo Uggetti of ESPN on Wednesday, May 31 that he witnessed the 3-year-old child struggling while at Encore Las Vegas. Morris shared how the boy had no pulse and saw the boy’s father rush him to a nearby lifeguard, who performed CPR. Morris, though, had an automatic external defibrillator, or AED.

“When I got back, we had a doctor on site that was able to start the compressions. I was able to hand the AED to him, get it open for him, put the pads on the child, and he ended up being OK,” Morris told Uggetti.

News of Morris’ heroism led to high praise across the internet — including a reaction from Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff who also credited the work of Rams vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott for preparing Morris for the moment.

“An amazing story of quick thinking in the moment by Raheem Morris and grateful to Reggie Scott for training our staff on CPR & AED,” Demoff shared on Twitter.

And Morris’ brave act comes in the wake of Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills following his heart stoppage in January 2023 during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which helped brings forth CPR and AED use to light across the nation.

“Very possibly seeing the life-saving CPR Damar Hamlin received inspired our organization to get trained & saved another life. CPR & AEDs save lives,” Demoff added.

What Is an AED & How Does it Work?

An AED is most commonly found in offices at various workplaces. But what exactly does it perform?

It’s used to analyze a heart’s rhythm. Then, it delivers an electric shock (or defibrillation) to reestablish an effective rhythm for the heart.

With sudden cardiac arrest among the leading causes of death in America, plus following Hamlin’s ordeal which was caused by commotio cordis as he revealed to reporters on April 18, AED’s have become more in the forefront of preventing death.

Morris included in his interview with ESPN that Hamlin and the tragic loss of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett’s 2-year-old daughter in a swimming pool accident has helped coaches like him become prepared for moments like what he witnessed in Vegas.

“I’m just thankful I knew what to do,” Morris said. “You just never know when you’re going to need that stuff.”

The boy was eventually discharged from the hospital 24 hours later.

Praise for Raheem Morris Spread Across the Internet

Morris’ brave act led to multiple reactions across the league, including from national media.

“Whoa. Incredible work. Salute to Raheem Morris!!!!” Steve Wyche of the NFL Network said.

Matthew Tabeek, who worked with CBS Sports and the Atlanta Falcons during the time Morris was an assistant then interim head coach, said he wasn’t surprised Morris sprung into action.

“I got to know Raheem Morris pretty well during my four seasons with the Falcons — he’s one of the kindest, funniest, and most caring people you’ll ever meet (and one helluva coach). This doesn’t surprise me,” Tabeek said.

Blaine Grisak of SB Nation added “This is awesome from Raheem Morris. Constantly has a positive effect on those around him.”

Former NFL veteran defensive back turned Denver radio personality Nick Ferguson was another who praised Morris.

“What an amazing thing by my guy Raheem Morris. Bravo!” Ferguson said.

On occasion, the Los Angeles Rams will welcome some celebrity guests to their practices. However, their Wednesday, May 31 visitor would’ve been someone barred from visiting the Thousand Oaks practice site one year ago — but is now an L.A. resident.

Former division rival from the Arizona Cardinals Kliff Kingsbury was in attendance during the Rams’ latest OTAs session, first captured by the NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano.

What Is Kliff Kingsbury Doing Now?

Kingsbury was once thought of as a possible Rams offensive coordinator candidate once Liam Coen went back to Lexington to return to coordinating the University of Kentucky offense.

Kingsbury became available following his firing from the Cards, which occurred a day after their season finale trouncing at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. He ended up going 28-37-1 overall as head coach of the Cards with one postseason appearance…which was the NFC Wildcard smashing at the hands of the Rams during L.A’s march to Super Bowl 56.

Now, Kingsbury is in closer proximity to the Rams. He accepted a senior offensive analyst role under Lincoln Riley at USC on April 10, which brings the former Texas Tech head coach back to the college game.

“He’s going to be invaluable to have on the staff,” Riley told ESPN’s Pete Thamel following the decision to lure him in. “It was the right fit for him and us. He knows a number of the staff guys, there’s a familiarity and a comfort level there.”

Kingsbury is part of the “Air Raid” coaching tree that Riley is a part of, which was popularized by the late head coach Mike Leach.

Despite being a rival to the Rams, Kingsbury and head coach Sean McVay have maintained a friendship over the years. Perhaps Kingsbury will be swinging by Thousand Oaks more often now that he’s in the L.A. region.

Practice Notes: TuTu Atwell & Matthew Stafford Dazzle

With Cooper Kupp still absent from voluntary workouts due to expecting his third child with his wife, OTAs have served as an opportunity for other wideouts inside the “Rams House” to dazzle.

Tutu Atwell took that to heart — by taking the ball deep.

Captured by the Rams’ Twitter account during Wednesday’s session, Atwell got behind two Rams defenders for the long touchdown from the arm of Matthew Stafford:

Atwell is now in his third season with the Rams after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He also has a chance to solidify himself as a potential No. 2 WR with Allen Robinson off to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Reps Extended for 2022 Late Rounder

Cam Akers got his share of the backfield load under a cloudy sky. But Kyren Williams earned some significant reps.

Williams, a fifth-round find from the 2022 draft, earned a high number of snaps with the Rams’ first-team offense. That included their red zone work.

The Rams currently have Akers, Williams and last season’s late free agent pickup Ronnie Rivers splitting the bulk of the carries.

Rookie Impresses in Trenches Along With 2nd-Year Pro for Defense

Defensively, rookie Kobie Turner won over his coaches and teammates.

Twice, the 2023 third-rounder slipped past the guard and center for two stops behind the line of scrimmage. Both stops got a loud “Kobie” reaction from the defensive sidelines, including from defensive line coach Eric Henderson.

Also on defense, second-year cornerback Decobie Durant denied six facing Atwell in the red zone which brought out loud cheers from the Rams defense.

One more rookie got involved in getting the defense to roar gleefully. Undrafted rookie defensive back Jason Taylor II returned a pick-six that drew reverberating cheers next to Cal Lutheran.

Rams WR Signing Makes Debut

Wednesday was also the debut of the newest signing Tyler Johnson.

The now fourth-year wideout signed with the Rams nearly 24 hours prior to running routes with the team. Johnson was seen wearing No. 14 on the practice field.

Johnson earned limited reps in working with Stafford, Van Jefferson and the rest of the Rams’ first offense.

He comes over after a brief stop with the Houston Texans in 2022. However, NFL fans likely recall him as a security blanket type receiver for Tom Brady during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl 55 run.