Fantasy Relevant Losses:
Fantasy Relevant Additions:
[wysija_form id=”1″]Overview
The Rams finished 6-10 and at the bottom of the NFC West division, despite going into the year expecting to improve upon a 7-9 record the year previous. The Rams finally got out of the Sam Bradford business and moved on to Nick Foles, shipping Bradford to the Eagles. Does Foles make this team markedly better? In a word, No. They did next to nothing to upgrade the offensive skill positions through the draft or free agency. I did say “next to nothing”, they drafted Todd Gurley as the 10th overall pick in this years draft, but is that enough to make this team fantasy relevant? Let’s explore.
Quarterback
Is Nick Foles an upgrade over Sam Bradford? Well, in the sense that Foles played more games last year, eight, than Bradford did in the last two years combined, seven, then yes. As far as on the field production, it’s too hard to judge since both of these quarterbacks have had injury concerns, with Bradford’s slightly more serious. Honestly, I think Foles is an above average quarterback that had an outstanding year two years ago due to the “well above average” talent around him. Unfortunately he won’t get that in St. Louis. The Rams did nothing to upgrade their skill positions, other than drafting Todd Gurley, who may not make an impact until mid-season. Quick, which player on the Rams had the most receptions in 2014? Go ahead, Google it, I had to as well. Jared Cook. JARED COOK! And they thought staying put at wide receiver was a good idea?
Ok, maybe it had something to do with the lack of a good quarterback, but it can’t be all on the QB, can it? When Foles drops back to pass in a Rams uniform, he isn’t going to see DeSean Jackson, or Jeremy Maclin, or LeSean McCoy, to name a few players he has had over the last two years. He is going to see Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, and yes Jared Cook. Quite the downgrade. Not to mention PFF (profootballfocus.com) ranked the Rams offensive line as the second worst in the league, while the Eagles line was ranked second best, so he may not even get a chance to see his receivers, he’ll be on his back looking up at the sky after being leveled by a linebacker. Position Grade: D-
Wide Receiver
As I’ve already mentioned, Jared Cook led this team in receptions last year and was second in yardage. Some of that has to do with injuries, as Brian Quick only played seven games, but Kenny Britt played in all 16 games and still only caught 48 passes and three TDs. Needless to say, this receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. I would like to add a positive spin and say there is something to hope for, but there isn’t. I don’t like any of the wide receivers from a fantasy perspective, and I will not own a single Rams receiver. Position Grade: F
Running Back
Tre Mason and Todd Gurley are the only potential fantasy players from this team in my opinion. Mason should get the bulk of the work early in the season, and Gurley, once he is finally cleared to play, will get the late season touches. I don’t love either, but if I were drafting today I would take Mason over Gurley. There is a good chance Gurley not only gets a late start to his rookie season, but that they will also limit him when he finally does get on the field. Either way, I want no part of this backfield, unless we are talking late round fliers. Position Grade: D+
Tight End
As I mentioned (I have to keep repeating it, because I can’t believe it), Jared Cook led the Rams with 52 receptions to go along with 634 yards and 3 touchdowns. That’s not a fantasy relevant stat line. In fact, he only had two games all year in which he had five or more receptions, and had zero 100-yard games. Jared Cook should go undrafted in all but the deepest of deep leagues. Stay away. Position Grade: D
Summary
The Rams are a fantasy wasteland and have been for a few years now. I predict Nick Foles will not make it through the entire season, Gurley will be viewed as a bust through no fault of his own — it’s hard to run when the defenders are in your face before you even get the ball and the defense does not respect the passing attack. My boldest prediction of them all? Jared Cook will lead them in receptions for a second straight year. Overall Grade: D-
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