Random Ramsdom: Rams trio ranked 21st in NFL

One of the more original ways to rank players in the NFL has become putting players into “trios” or “triplets”, which consist of the team’s starting quarterback, running back, and their best wide receiver. It’s an easy way to take the top dogs of each squad and put them up against the rest. Jared Dubin of CBS Sports took to that exact task but didn’t just rank the trios, alone. He also put them into five tiers.

The Rams’ trio of Jared Goff, Cam Akers, and Cooper Kupp managed to stay out of the bottom tier, but ultimately landed in tier four at #21. Two years ago, this ranking looks very different. But a year of regression from Goff and a rookie running back doesn’t lead to terribly high expectations.

“It’s been quite a fall for Goff, who appears far more dependent on Sean McVay’s play-calling and the offensive line in front of him than the team should be comfortable with, given the massive extension they signed him to last offseason,” Dubin says. “If everything is clicking at a high level, he’s capable of reaching great heights, but with the Rams having overloaded their roster with highly-paid players, the likelihood of the line ever reaching its 2017 and 2018 peak seems a bit low.”

Dubin echos the sentiment that Akers is a picture-perfect fit for the Ram’s offense but he must see Akers actually get on the field first before leans into those expectations even harder. He’s still high on Kupp, but mentions the offensive line woes have forced him to succeed in different, less-dynamic ways.

“It seemed like Darrell Henderson was in place as the team’s lead back for the future, but then they used their first 2020 draft pick on another back, so we’re pretty confident Akers will be that guy. He’s versatile enough and a good fit in the outside zone-heavy scheme, but we need to see if he has more to offer beyond just that clean fit. Kupp is one of the league’s more reliable slot men but he’s also become much more of a close-to-the-line target over the past couple years, in part due to the backslide of the aforementioned offensive line.”

And now for some links.

Rams News:

Stu Jackson previews anther 2020 season opponent in the Chicago Bears (TheRams.com)

Sarina Morales interviews linebacker Travin Howard (TheRams.com)

The Rams defense was ranked in the top-10 of the NFL by The Touchdown Wire (The Rams Wire)

Cameron DaSilva reports Sean McVay not being included in opening odds for NFL Coach of the Year (The Rams Wire)

Bret Stuter thinks Micah Kiser is better than people think (Ramblin’ Fan)

NFL News:

Kristopher Knox lists every NFL team’s “to-do” list for the 2020 offseason (Bleacher Report)

Seth Walder predicts team records, Super Bowl chances, and division winners (ESPN)

Mike Reiss explains how the Patriots might lean on running backs in post-Brady era (ESPN)

Darin Gantt reports the Dolphins aren’t afraid to play Tua Tagovailoa this season (Pro Football Talk)

Former Falcons RB Devonta Freeman is set on playing football in 2020 (Pro Football Talk)