The free agency frenzy period has come and gone this offseason. The Los Angeles Rams signed a few players, while also losing a couple of key contributors from last season.
Of course, free agents can still sign with any team, but the first few days of the new league year are hectic compared to now. The Rams went after veterans this offseason to help fill certain needs.
For instance, Los Angeles went out and signed Eric Weddle to replace Lamarcus Joyner, who departed in free agency. Also, the Rams landed Clay Matthews to add depth to their outside linebacker position.
Retaining Dante Fowler was a main focus for the Rams organization, while Rodger Saffold landed on the Tennessee Titans after nine seasons with the Rams.
It goes without saying that all Rams fans wish the best for Saffold anywhere he goes. But now, Los Angeles has to shift its focus to finding players to fill the rest of their needs.
Despite signing Matthews, the Rams could still use an edge rusher in this year's draft. Outside linebacker isn't the only need the Rams have, as they have a couple of other needs to fulfill.
3. Guard
The departure of Saffold this offseason leaves a big hole along the Rams offensive line. He was a mainstay on the offensive line and held the left guard spot for a few seasons.
As of now, Los Angeles is expected to start Joseph Noteboom at left guard in 2019. Noteboom was the Rams third-round pick in last year's draft.
The thing is, Noteboom is primarily a tackle and was the backup to Andrew Whitworth in 2018. Therefore, the Rams may likely have plans for Noteboom to be the successor to Whitworth when the veteran left tackle decides to hang the cleats up.
There are a few talented guards in this year's draft and the Rams would be wise to draft one of them. Regardless, the Rams should select a guard with one of their draft picks, even if they aren't immediately thrust into a starting role.
2. Outside Linebacker
Even with the addition of Matthews, outside linebacker could still arguably be the Rams biggest need this offseason. Los Angeles struggled to get consistent pressure from their edge rushers in 2018.
This past season, the Rams had six total sacks from all of their outside linebackers combined. That isn't exactly superb considering Aaron Donald was demanding double-teams and still came away with 20.5 sacks.
That's not saying that they need someone as talented as Donald coming off the edge. But the Rams do need someone who can take advantage of having one guy blocking them basically every play that Donald is on the field.
In 2018, the Rams had Samson Ebukam and Dante Fowler rushing the passer off the edge. Fowler was acquired via trade later in the season.
Nonetheless, Fowler is back and the Rams added Matthews, but they still need more help at outside linebacker to get after the quarterback.
1. Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle is the Rams biggest need due to them having a lack of talent at the position heading into 2019. Donald is considered a defensive tackle but the team plays a 3-4 scheme where Donald isn't the nose tackle on the defense.
L.A. needs someone in the middle of their defensive line who is stout enough to play the run. In 2018, Los Angeles had Ndamukong Suh play the nose tackle position, with few fruitful results.
Before joining the team, Suh spent most of his career playing in a 4-3 scheme as a pass-rushing defensive tackle. He used to be a game-wrecker from the interior, but was forced into being a nose tackle last year.
Now, Suh is on his way out of Los Angeles in free agency and the Rams need to find a true nose tackle to replace him. They ranked 23rd against the run in 2018 and Suh playing nose tackle was one of the reasons for the lack of a run defense.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Michael Brockers move to nose tackle as he's done before. Although, it's more likely that they address the position in this year's draft.
Either way, the Rams biggest need lies along the interior of their defensive line, at the defensive tackle position.
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