That wasn't my focus. It was solely about what I think they need to do in order to become elite. Just my opinion of that, as a fan like the rest of youze guys. Obviously, if the Rams haven't gone in the direction I think they should, the coaches see things differently. I assume that before hand. If I agreed with their direction, I wouldn't bother being critical -- and it's obviously not too critical, as I said they're close, potentially, to elite status.
As for corner. You and I disagree. I think they're in very good shape there, with Gaines and Tru, though they can always get stronger at backup. IMO, they don't have a true, starting caliber free safety right now. Davis is a good backup, and someone the Rams need. But he's not really a starter, much less a superior starter.
Just my take. Again, I assumed the Rams don't agree with that take before I made it. No need for the comment if we were in agreement, etc.
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PHDram
this idea of lacking a "true center-fielder" has been spun around this board for 3 years now...if GW wanted that type of player hed go get one...but instead you keep seeing him bring in hard hitting SS types. im sure if he can find a guy with both qualities that would be fine, but its pretty clear to me at least that he wants his safeties to be first and foremost hitters.
another lb...again do you think its an accident that we have like 6 safety and 4 lbs? its not that the rams HAVE to play their "safety" at "lb" GW WANTS to play them there. and quite frankly i think you are seeing more and more teams adopt a similar approach. the days of 250+ lbs are waning (unless they can run of course)
another de? ok i guess...hayes is probably a step down from long but personally i think this team is pretty loaded on the DL. and i like thomas and easly backing up brockers and donald. im not sure id worry to much about it.
instead id be more worried at corner. i like johnson, gaines and joyner but after that it can be dicey. hill has been a nice find but i dont know if i want him starting and unfortunately sensenbaugh while apparently a very nice guy is looking like a bad pick up.
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Billy_T
Right now, I think the Rams' D is weakest at FS. They're basically three deep at Strong Safety, with three talented thumpers, Barron, Alexander and McDonald. The first two can and do play linebacker as well. But the Rams still lack a true center-fielder with great recovery speed, instincts, cover abilities, etc.
DE is the other spot. Hayes is solid, but getting older. Sims, IMO, should be cut (in the offseason) for one too many bone-headed personal fouls. Longacre has try-hard intangibles, but is limited physically. Westbrook is similar to Longacre, though a bit bigger. They need to find a bigger kamikaze DE who can do what Quinn does from the other side. They need a stronger version of Quinn, with as close to "elite" athleticism as they can find. Last year, I wanted them to pick Danielle Hunter, perhaps the most freakish athlete in the 2015 draft, and he's now doing well for the Vikings. They got him in the 3rd round, and he turns 22 later this month, which tells me he's got Pro Bowls in his future.
As in, they can find that kind of player, even without a #1.
Other spots that would help: Another DT, big enough, wide enough, strong enough to tie up blockers so Donald moves freely; a true outside linebacker, so the Rams don't have to play their safeties there unless they want to.
The Rams are very close to elite, potentially, IMO.
