[AvengerRam]

These are the 5 questions I'm eager to see answered between now and the draft:

1. Will the Rams re-sign/extend Matthew Stafford?
2. Will Cooper Kupp be traded and, if so, for what consideration?
3. Will the Rams re-sign Alaric Jackson?
4. Will the Rams re-sign Bobby Brown?
5. Will the Rams sign any significant (expected to slide into starting roles) FAs in the "first wave" (and, if so, who)?

My guesses are: yes; yes, for less than we'd hope; yes, no and yes (I'll go with Dre Greenlaw).

[ramsman34]

Yes, he is going to want close to $40mil + guarantees. 2 year deal that is really a 1 year deal.
Yes, no higher than a 4th. Rams pay part of salary
Yes, not top of market but still expensive.
No - will draft and find FAs to replace unless BB3 wants to come back on the cheap.
Yes - Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, or Asante Samuel Jr. Although Greenlaw is a great option.

[Dare]

1. IMO Stafford will sign a two year deal but the second year is simply an option year in case of a contingency need and to spread the cap.

2. Probably they get a 5th round pick at best for Kupp. It will depend upon whether there is another player involved or if it's just for a pick. If they trade with Detroit they could get Anzalone and perhaps a second round pick (60th) for Kupp and two of the 3 third round picks they have as an example. The problem with Kupp is his declining production and injuries. Anzalone is a year younger and though he was injured last season he has returned and has played well. So yeah he looks to have a longer shelf life and has better availability through the season making him the better part of the deal. I think that trading for Azalone would be the best they could hope for. Otherwise in a straight Kupp for a pick it's going to be at best a 5th round pick. Or a contingency compensation like 6th if he misses games or a 5th if he misses no more than two games.

3. I think they will offer Jackson a middle of the road contract extension but from Alaric's attitude before the season began he's going to be looking at top dollar even though he's only better than average. So I think they will draft his replacement. Like I said in another post the Rams carried McDermott on IR all year for a reason. He's their fallback option so I don't think the Rams are confident that Jackson will be reasonable. He and Purdy both seem to overvalue themselves. Jackson is a good enough LT but hardly elite. He's hit or miss in his run blocking and struggles with speed and power off the edge.

4. I told friends when Brown was drafted that he's a rotational talent, not a starter. Why? Because even now he still struggles to shed blocks and doesn't command a double team in doing so. So I think he will be offered a backup level salary but in reality, he might be worth more as a comp pick next year. The Rams could be looking at Nazir Stackhouse from GA who is an early down run stopping NT, capable of playing both zero and one technique. He's a developmental 3rd day type player who can play as a rotational NT as a rookie. IMO he looks to be what Brown clearly isn't.

5. I don't see them signing high priced FAs. They might trade for a specific player but I think they overextended their FA budget last season. They will need carryover cap dollars to pay for the forthcoming roster extensions. It's also why IMO they will draft their next QB1 to take advantage of that rookie contract much in the same way the Niners did in years two and three of Purdy's contract. It's why that first round QB who will end up being the highest paid player on the roster gives the Rams an extra year of affordability, something the Niners sorely wished they had this year.

The Rams got their FAs in Witherspoon who should be extended, and Forbes who was claimed off of the wire, but is basically a FA signing with a rookie contract. Gallimore IMO will be offered a backup level contract. I think he will take it if offered. He's on his third team and is 27 so it's not going to get better. A two year deal is all I see. NT IMO is a position of need in this draft.

There is one FA I hope they sign. Greg Gaines should never have been allowed to walk. He's better than anyone they have had since. He's a pure 1T NT which is fine especially if you have a run stuffing ILB behind him to take the other A gap.