Constructing a team built to win for the long-haul is the primary focus of any NFL franchise, something the Los Angeles Rams are still in the early stages of. It takes a combination of making smart picks, spending wisely, and a bit of luck.
The Rams certainly got lucky when they managed to pick up cornerback Janoris Jenkins in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. However, after a perplexing offseason, the Rams failed to bring Jenkins back who eventually signed a lucrative deal with the New York Giants.
To add insult to injury, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report says losing Jenkins to free agency was purely a result of miscommunication in the front office:
“According to two former coaches, the team had agreed at the annual scouting combine that Jenkins was going to be the player that the team put the franchise tag on. However, when it came time to sign the tag, the front office placed it on Trumaine Johnson instead.”
The news certainly deals a blow to Rams fans after watching Jenkins thrive in his new system, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career — especially after watching their depleted secondary get burned all year long.
Unfortunately, the news also reveals how much dysfunction has plagued the front office in recent years. Hopefully, with the new coaching staff in town and general manager Les Snead working on a contract that is anything but guaranteed, they can finally start bringing some stability to this franchise.
