With football set to return to Los Angeles after a 20-year drought, the Rams have already begun making major changes to the roster. The release of longtime stalwarts James Laurinaitis and Chris Long made it clear that the team was moving in a new direction.
Along with them, the Rams have also seen the departure of two of their young defensive stars to the NFC East with cornerback Janoris Jenkins signing with the New York Giants and safety Rodney Mcleod going to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams were able to re-sign their other main targets in defensive end Eugene Sims and linebacker Mark Barron and according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, they added former first-round pick DE Quinton Coples to their already loaded defensive line:
Quinton Coples has agreed to a 2-year deal with the #Rams, source said
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2016
Coples should provide another option for a defensive line that is among the most feared in the NFL. With a solid defense and a stud at running back in Todd Gurley, the main question surrounding the Rams continues to be who will be the team’s starting quarterback.
They tendered QB Case Keenum earlier this month but rumors have swirled about Robert Griffin III’s interest in playing in L.A., while some believe they will get one through the draft with the 15th pick.
Whatever the case may be, upgrading the quarterback position could be the difference in the Rams getting over the hump and into the playoffs. Finishing with seven wins in three of the last four seasons, the Rams returning to the postseason in their first year back in Los Angeles would be a major boost for the franchise.
