RADIO
Brandon Murchison's 2020 NFL Draft predictions for the Los Angeles Rams. His 32 for 32 series looks at fantasy football implications for redraft and dynasty.
It was a disappointing year for the Rams as we saw regression across the board from the offense. Jared Goff looked lost at times and the running game behind Todd Gurley II struggled to gain traction. Now with key players gone, can the offense rebound to what we were once used to? Will the NFL Draft also welcome in talent to further this team's potential? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
It was a Super Bowl hangover for Jared Goff and the Rams offense. Although they were still a top-10 offense in scoring (24.6 PPG), that number was down from 30.8 in 2018 when they finished second. Goff was on a steady rise to becoming one of the NFL's premier signal-callers but took a step back in 2019. He missed many more high-percentage throws a year ago while also ranking near the bottom of the league in turnover-worthy plays. Offensive line play could have factored in as they were graded out to be one of the league's worst in pass protection.
But at the end of the day, Goff saw a regression in scoring (22 TD) and a rise in interceptions (16) as he still managed to finished as the QB12 on the season. Things seem to be changing for this Rams offense. Gone are both Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks and the team may opt to use more 12 personnel (two tight end sets), which could limit the overall upside from Goff. The big plays might not happen as often, and the yardage could also take a hit. The scoring could still potentially be there, leaving him as a QB that you may still look at as a low-end QB1 in fantasy.
You can't recap the 2019 Rams without bringing up Todd Gurley and his much-maligned season. There were health questions abound entering into the season, and although the team said he was fine, the numbers said otherwise. Sure, he finished as RB14 on the season, his 857 rushing yards were not what you would expect from a player that started 15 games. He was also lightly used in the passing game (31 receptions), but it was his scoring (14 total TD) that brought value to fantasy owners.
But he has now moved on to Atlanta, leaving a gaping hole in the Rams backfield. Over the last couple of seasons, it has been Malcolm Brown that was carrying the load with Gurley off the field. But he isn't the type of back to fully lead this team for 16 games.
Darrell Henderson, a 2019 third-round pick, is being viewed by the fantasy community as the next man up. We saw little out of Henderson last season (39 carries) to suggest that he is ready to shoulder the load. He struggled to pick up the scheme that the team uses in its running game and was kept on the bench due to that. But the talent is there. If Henderson can improve, his dual-threat ability can give the Rams the weapon that they need in the backfield. Based on his perceived spot as the Rams starter, you're seeing Henderson drafted as an RB2 in early drafts. That ADP should continue to stick throughout the summer, but Henderson does present potential as a player with an RB1 ceiling.
The Rams used a two-man punch at receiver last year with Brandin Cooks sidelined off and on for most of the season with concussion issues. Both Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods were over 90 receptions (94 and 90), had nearly identical yardage totals (1,162 and 1,134), but it was the scoring separated the two. Kupp found the endzone fairly often (10 TD) while Woods was often over-looked in that area with just two scores. Case in point - their red-zone looks.
Kupp had 23 receptions inside the red-zone, while Woods only had eight (where both of Woods' scores came from). The scoring for Kupp is what led to a WR4 finish in fantasy, but the lack thereof for Woods held him back to a WR14 finish. Much of the same could be expected in 2020 for the duo as Kupp has the confidence of Goff and will still bring WR1 value. If Woods can become more of a threat to score he could rise above the value of a WR2. The loss of Cooks opens up some opportunities in the offense both the receivers, but it could be the opportunity we finally see Josh Reynolds shine. The ultra-sleeper should be a target late in drafts as he tends to perform well when given a chance to be involved.
But it was the tight ends that started to pick things up for this team last season. It was a tale of two seasons for Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee. In the first half of the year, it was Everett that was being primarily featured as the pass catcher and had some value as a matchup play starter. But the emergence of Tyler Higbee late in the year was the eye-opener for fantasy owners. The final five-week run from Higbee made him a fantasy star on the way to his TE8 finish. Virtually all of his production came during this stretch and has given him momentum going into 2020. With the expected change in offensive philosophy for the team, Higbee could be a hot commodity in drafts this year. But don't be burned by last season's production and reach for him too soon.
Heading into the draft, the Rams will need to focus on getting some support for Goff along the offensive line. It was clear that the pressure was rattling him and his timing on throws. So look for the team to add some depth here. But also, the need for depth on the defensive side of the ball would not hurt either. The linebacking core took a hit in free agency and safety should be looked at as well. But the Rams have their needs more defined.
Los Angeles Rams - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 74.3 (16th)
Defense: 83.6 (6th)
Overall: 86.9 (9th)
TEAM NEEDS
OG, LB, S
First Selection (2.20)
Jalen Reagor, WR TCU
With the loss of Brandin Cooks, the Rams could use another wide receiver to stretch the field for chunk plays and draw defenders away from the box. Reagor gives them that with the explosion he displays on multiple levels fo the field. Bad quarterback play held him back tremendously in college as the team ran limited route trees because of it. He loses points with scouts due to bouts of lack of focus and competitiveness, but you can't turn away from the talent he possesses.
Reagor has the versatility that offensive coordinators covet as he can be used on gadget plays and moved all around the formation. He's an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands and will be a YAC monster at the next level. He may not fit an immediate need for the team, but passing on Reagor would be tough for this team to do. He may not have immediate value in fantasy for 2020, but his long-term appeal as a WR2 in dynasty formats makes him a solid second-round pick in rookie drafts.
Second Selection (2.25)
Trey Adams, OT Washington
Adams had a great early career in college but was injury-stricken with an ACL tear and back issues during 2017-2018. Those injuries might have hampered him from an athletic standpoint, but Adams is still a broad-build prospect with upside. He sets up well in pass protection and has adequate movement laterally. But at times he can be overwhelmed by the force of a stronger defender, getting him off balance.
He is quick out of his stance and gets into position quickly allowing him to set an edge against pass rushers. He is patient in setting up blocks and can pull outside very well to set up the run. Adams has the talent to excel at the next level but must build up strength from previous injuries. With proper coaching, he should be able to reach his potential.
Third Selection (3.20)
Ashtyn Davis, S Cal
Davis was a bit of a late arrival on the scouting radar, but he comes with rare physical gifts that can't be taught. He still has average instincts, but the recognition skills are steadily improving. He has amazing chase and recovery speed but is still learning to play under control in coverage.
His tackling is something else that needs to be controlled as he tends to use his gifts instead of technique. He plays with adequate range and can be disruptive at the point of the catch. Davis has the elite traits that will get him drafted, but he has the feel of a boom or bust prospect heading into the draft.
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