As the Rams move into the heavy-lifting phase of their offseason program, they are essentially set on their starting lineup.
But that doesn’t mean some big-time jobs and roles aren’t up for grabs.
Here are three battles to keep an eye on during OTAs and minicamp:
Going into the NFL draft, an argument could have been made for the Rams having the deepest tight end room in the league, led by Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen.
But that didn’t stop them from investing a second-round pick in Ohio State’s Max Klare. And don’t think for a second they did so with the idea of stashing him for one season or only using him as an injury replacement.
Klare is going to play this year. He’s too good not to. The only question is, whose playing time suffers as a result?
Last season, Parkinson and Allen played more than 50% of the Rams’ offensive snaps, while Ferguson and Higbee each appeared in more than 30% of the snaps. Higbee’s playing time was affected by the ankle injury he suffered in Week 11.
Even with the Rams’ heavy emphasis on “13” personnel — or three tight ends — something has to give on that front. It’s a great problem to have, of course, and clearly the Rams are built to withstand injuries at this position.
But with Klare showing TE1 traits, albeit eventually, he is likely to challenge for significant playing time this year. Maybe even TE2 — but clearly TE3. And he’ll have a chance to start proving that throughout the remainder of the offseason program.
The Rams will knock on wood early and often that Matthew Stafford stays healthy for the season. But wishful thinking only gets you so far, and at some point, they may have to turn to their backup quarterback.
Jimmy Garoppolo massively covered that base for them the last two years, if not in actuality, certainly in peace of mind. He also provided a high level of play in training camp and regular-season practices, which helped prepare the offense and defense.
With the Rams managing Stafford’s workload, Garoppolo played an important role, albeit largely behind the scenes.
Garoppolo is contemplating retirement, so the Rams could have a significant hole to fill. Ty Simpson, drafted 13th overall, and Stetson Bennett, heading into his fourth season, have big opportunities during the offseason program to claim the inside track on that spot.
Bennett’s three years in the program give him the experience edge, but Simpson has a superior skill set and an advanced understanding of football thanks to his upbringing as the son of a Division I college football coach.
How rapidly Simpson grasps the offense and proves he can be a capable QB2 could determine whether the Rams eventually add a veteran backup quarterback.
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are among the NFL’s top wide receiver tandems. But it gets dicey after that, with no clear-cut candidate for the third wide receiver role.
The Rams drafted CJ Daniels out of Miami in the sixth round, and ideally, he emerges this offseason as the front-runner for that role. But that is a lot to ask of a rookie, even one who has a mature feel for route running.
Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith and Konata Mumpfield combined for 46 catches last season, so they offer experience and reliability. Each has an opportunity to state their case as the third wide receiver over the next month. Or at least position themselves for that role heading into training camp.
If not, the Rams could look to the trade or free agency market for help.
