PFF: Ranking Each NFL Roster- Strengths/Weaknesses (Rams 31st)

Via PFF

31. Los Angeles Rams

Biggest strength in 2023: Run Defense

The Rams had plenty of issues last year, but they fielded the league’s highest-graded run-defense unit (87.0). Jalen Ramsey and Bobby Wagner led the way, with each grading out above 91.0 in run defense. Taylor Rapp was also excellent with an 82.3 run-defense grade. Unfortunately, all three will play elsewhere in 2023, leaving the Rams' defense with Aaron Donald and a bunch of open competitions. Having Donald as the foundation is a good start.

Biggest weakness in 2023: Offensive Line

The Rams were hit with an absurd number of injuries up front. Only two of their offensive linemen played at least 500 snaps. Right tackle Rob Havenstein was the only one to appear in all 17 games. The Rams were the lowest-scoring team in the NFL outside of their 51-point drubbing of Denver on Christmas Day. The offensive line injuries, and subsequent Matthew Stafford injuries, were the primary reason for their downfall.

X-Factor for 2023: RB Cam Akers

Akers seemingly worked his way out of the doghouse during the season and finished with three straight 100-yard performances. He earned an 80.4 rushing grade on the year and is in line for heavy work in 2023. Sean McVay likely goes back to basics with his outside-zone scheme. Akers could put up 1,200 yards with a starter’s workload.

Rookie to watch: G Steve Avila

The second-rounder out of TCU should be an immediate starter at either guard spot for the Rams. Four different players appeared at left guard for them last year, while six made an appearance at right guard. Avila locking down one of those spots would bring desperately needed stability up front. He was one of the best pass-protecting guards in the 2023 class (83.6 grade in 2022).

Over/Under 6.5 win total: Under

A glance at the Rams' roster shows a team dealing with the consequences of their win-now approach over the past half-decade. They got their trophy, but the cupboard looks pretty bare. Healthy versions of Stafford, Kupp and Donald give them a chance to win games. That’s about it. They won five last year and let go of Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey. It's gard to see how a team so thin gets to seven wins.