[Elvis]

[Elvis]

Jourdan doesn't think Rams are likely to keep AJ:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/614370 ... Id=1004768

26. L.A. Rams: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

With starter Alaric Jackson nearing free agency as one of the top young tackles on the market this season, it’s hard to picture the Rams getting into a financial or leverage battle even without much of a plan in place behind Jackson. Conerly would match the multi-year investment made into the Rams’ offensive line, which features third-year left guard Steve Avila, second-year center Beaux Limmer and right guard Kevin Dotson entering the second year of a three-year extension. Shoring up the left and right tackle spots are of the utmost priority for L.A., and Conerly would fit a plug-and-play role for a team that, should Jackson depart, needs a Day-1 starter at left tackle. — Jourdan Rodrigue

[actionjack]

Jourdan doesn't think Rams are likely to keep AJ:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/614370 ... Id=1004768

That is hard for me to believe, will see. Maybe the Rams just arent interested in Chips anytime soon.

[Elvis]

That is hard for me to believe, will see. Maybe the Rams just arent interested in Chips anytime soon.

It's very possible the Rams are now cheap when it comes to putting cash on the table (bonuses, guarantees).

But they might not think AJ has a high enough upside to justify the contract he's probably going to get so maybe they'd rather a rookie with a higher upside and smaller contract...

[actionjack]

It's very possible the Rams are now cheap when it comes to putting cash on the table (bonuses, guarantees).

But they might not think AJ has a high enough upside to justify the contract he's probably going to get so maybe they'd rather a rookie with a higher upside and smaller contract...

Well AJ played pretty damn well last year..sure I can see if the contract was to get out of hand, but good LT's should never hit free agency right?

So now you trust Stafford's(hopefully) blindside to a rookie, when it could be spent on an offensive weapon or interior DL or corner. If anything draft the guy to play RT, with Havs having maybe a year left...

Sure doesnt "feel" like ALL IN for a championship to me. What is going to happen when we need to start paying the defense in 2026....

[majik]

There is always the franchise tag option for AJ and draft his replacement at 26 scenario.

[Elvis]

There is always the franchise tag option for AJ and draft his replacement at 26 scenario.

Tag gonna be $26mil or more, all guaranteed. If it's about money, don't see the Rams doing that but who knows? We'll see...

[Elvis]

https://www.therams.com/news/nfl-networ ... more-picks

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah on Rams' options at No. 26 overall pick in 2025 draft, including why he would be in favor of trading back and collecting extra picks

Feb 20, 2025
Stu Jackson
Senior Staff Writer

The Rams are scheduled to pick in the first round for the second-straight year, holding the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, they currently do not have a 2025 second-round pick after trading theirs to the Panthers as part of moving up to select defensive end Braden Fiske in last year's draft. While Fiske's team-leading 8.5 sacks and Defensive Rookie of the Year-finalist performance more than justified that decision, it currently has Los Angeles looking at a big gap between its first two selections in this year's draft.

On a conference call Thursday ahead of next week's scouting combine, NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah was asked by TheRams.com if it made more sense to stick-and-pick at 26th overall, or trade back to acquire more picks given the aforementioned gap.

Jeremiah said he'd be in favor of trading back.

"Well, (Rams general manager) Les (Snead) has done such a good job in that range, so getting out of there and collecting extra picks, I'm all for that, especially when you kind of look at the direction that they could be looking," Jeremiah said. "The tackle (position), I wouldn't feel as confident of what you are going to get if you trade back, but there's still a need for corners, receivers. They could pluck a tight end. That's good position groups there on Day 2. If they were to slide back a little bit and collect some more resources there, I've got a lot of respect and appreciation for their ability to scout and find guys there. That would definitely make sense to me."

Cornerback and wide receiver make sense as positions of need for the Rams. Ahkello Witherspoon is a pending unrestricted free agent at cornerback, and Los Angeles has two at wide receiver in Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell. Additionally, Cooper Kupp announced on social media earlier this month that the team intended to trade him.

In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah projected the Rams to take Toledo defensive tackle Darious Alexander – one of his top performers at this year's Senior Bowl – at No. 26.

"Alexander flashed every day in practice this week," Jeremiah wrote in his Senior Bowl recap for NFL.com. "His combination of size and athleticism is really impressive. He has long arms (34 inches) and is a rangy interior defensive lineman. His body type reminds me of Chiefs All-Pro DT Chris Jones."

Jeremiah said on Thursday's conference call it's "the deepest defensive tackle class I can remember."

Speaking of depth, Jeremiah has five cornerbacks in his top 50, five wide receivers (five including two-way star Travis Hunter, whom he lists at that position instead of corner), and four tight ends. As for offensive tackle, he has five on that list, but four of the five are projected to be off the board by the time the Rams are on the clock, based on his latest mock draft.

In his first mock draft, he had the Rams taking Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

[ramsman34]

We have a number of quality players hitting free agency, a relatively poor record lately in free agency, limited draft capital, a decent amount of cap space, and murky waters at the most important position - QB. This is a very interesting off season. We might be taking a step back next season. I guess we will see over the next few months how the forward to the 2025 season is written. I’m feeling less and less confident we will be better and all in for the SB in 2025.

That said, trading back is likely our best option. Especially if Staff and A Jax are retained. Well especially if they aren’t retained too. Lol