I don't see many significant changes needed. This coaching staff is a group of quality teachers. We've heard that since they arrived. So keep teaching. Elevate younger guys like Reynolds, Cooper, Everett, Ebukam, Longacre, Smart, Hill, etc. into larger roles while filling in some gaps with an eye on the future.
Personally my top areas to address would be CB, OL, and OLB.
Add either 1st or 3rd round draft pick or another mid-level FA to the CB group.
On the OL Whitworth and Sullivan (assuming he stays) will be a year older and most likely heading into their final seasons. Prepare for the future and infuse some really talented depth. Ideally you find an OT that can be mentored by Whitworth for a year. I think the Rams were fortunate their OL depth was not tested this year. Blythe is a nice interior backup but that's about it. I'd like to see them draft two OL in the middle rounds and probably two more in 2019 (possibly a 1st rounder if they don't find a developmental OT this April).
OLB is an interesting spot. My position is that Longacre could be given a 2nd round RFA tender (otherwise a team may snap him up) and equal Quinn's production at ROLB at about 1/6 the cost. Ebukam played 350 snaps as a rookie and could either start on the left side or at minimum be their top backup again. I like Barwin OK but I'd also be OK with them going young at OLB with Longacre and Ebukam and maybe drafting another young edge rusher. You never know who might fall to them at #s 23 or 87.
I am just not concerned about the backup RB or TE spots. Brown is a good backup RB and Cooper can take on Austin's role. And I believe McVay and LaFleur will put in a lot of time with Everett and Higbee this offseason and summer to get them from 41 catches to more like 70 next year.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/09/2018 04:38AM by LMU93.
