One trend seems to be that they’re not finding the gems like they used to in rounds 2-4. Look it up. Yeah, some of these picks can be seen on the field, even starting, but they are mere jags.
Rapp
Burgess
Rochell
Long
Lewis
Hopkins
Allen Robinson (not drafted, but still)
Atwell (until very recently)
Wolford
Perkins
Henderson
Bruss (maybe)
The other trend goes hand-in-glove with the talent acquisition shortcomings. Namely, Ram asst coaches are no longer quickly developing acquired players as they once did. I fear that the talent drain among Ram assistants has finally caught up with McVay. It definitely seems to be a negative factor this year, for sure.
Just look at the position groups that have struggled this year:
RB
QB
OL
TE
WR (Atwell and McCutcheon handling, for example)
That is every single position group on the entire Offense!
OLB
CB
Safety
Looking at the above two lists is there anyone that thinks a good job of player development occurred within those respective groups? Me neither.
Look, I know as well as anyone what in injury tsunami Rams endured this year but still I maintain that better coaching decisions could and should have been made. For example, on the OL, the worst hit group injury-wise without a doubt, why was Evans still being trotted out once healthy alternatives were finally available? He may have indirectly had a hand in the loss of both Stafford AND Kupp. Mind numbing coaching incompetence.
Sitting Atwell when desperate for O weapons is another doozy. McVay admitted to wrongfully holding back Atwell and Hoecht, too, (kinda). Durant should have replaced Kendrick as soon as he was cleared to play. Both AD and Ramsey seem to have been largely neutered. Is it scheme? I could go on and on but you get the point, right?
Rams need to sharpen their talent acquisition skills and the Rams coaches need to do a much better job of coaching up. In fact, maybe McVay needs to offload a significant percentage of his current coaching staff this offseason. Samples leaving was a very good start.
I’m worried. And I will continue to worry until I see evidence of improvement in both these areas.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/07/2022 08:39AM by Rams43.
