The Good

Few defensive tackles have been as dominant as Aaron Donald over his 9-year career. The 7x All-Pro is a surefire Hall of Famer when he decides to hang it up. In the meantime like McVay, Donald considered walking away but in the end, decided to come back after a disappointing 2022. Although out of his prime Donald is still a force on the defensive line regularly blowing up offensive plays. The Rams will need all they can get from Donald in order for them to have a chance to rebound in 2023.

When healthy, Cooper Kupp is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Kupp had a dominant 2021 season with the Rams where he amassed 1,947 receiving yards. 2022 was a different story as Kupp was only able to play in 9 games due to injury. He is currently still dealing with a hamstring injury that the Rams are calling day-to-day. While this is troubling I don’t expect him to miss much time this season and LA will need him to be in top form.

The Bad

Other than Aaron Donald the Los Angeles Rams defense is lacking star power. This is due to the team moving on from Leonard Floyd, Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey who was traded to the Miami Dolphins. The Rams will now rely on rookies and several unproven players on a defense that will have a tough time stopping anybody. Teams will be able to double-team Donald regularly and attack the young cornerbacks on the outside. It’s clear the Rams have decided to invest in the offensive side of the ball rather than the defense. If the offense struggles this could be another long year for LA.

The Prediction

It’s looking more like the Rams are in for another tough season. This may be the final year we see Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald in a Rams uniform. There are just too many questions on the defense and not enough weapons on offense for them to be successful.

2023 Record: 5-12 (3rd in the Division)

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The Good

For the most part, the Buffalo Bills roster heading into the 2023-2024 season looks the same. They did lose a key defensive piece in Tremaine Edmunds but were able to bring in Leonard Floyd in free agency. Floyd will help solidify the Bills defense as he finished the last three seasons with at least 9 sacks. Pairing him with the likes of Von Miller, Ed Oliver and Shaq Lawson will give the Bills an elite pass rush. The only real weakness as of now on this defense is at the middle linebacker spot where the Bills will rely on journeyman A.J. Klein.

On the offensive side of the ball, it’s all about Josh Allen. After a rough rookie campaign, Allen has shown he belongs in the elite tier of NFL quarterbacks. Allen has thrown for 4,000+ yards and 35+ touchdowns in the last three seasons and continues to impress with his arm. Allen finished first in total air yards last season with 2,837. The only real concern right now with Allen is the risk of injury. To combat that he has recently stated that he wants to become more of a pocket passer going forward. If the Bills want to win a Super Bowl they have to have Josh Allen healthy and he is starting to realize that.

The Bad

As I eluded to before there are off-the-field distractions that many haunt the Bills going forward. In the blowout loss against the Bengals Stefon Diggs was not happy and let his frustrations be known. This was not the first time Diggs was seen on the sidelines arguing with teammates and it’s something to watch closely. Diggs was also notably absent from the first day of OTA’s which head coach Sean McDermott admitted was concerning. There seems to be some tension behind the scenes between Diggs and the Bills. If they can’t figure out a resolution it could end up derailing their season.

The Prediction

Although the Buffalo Bills will still be in the hunt for the playoffs, I expect them to take a step back next season. The AFC East will be the best division in football and the Bills have the 4th toughest schedule in 2023. According to Vegas, the current projected win total for Buffalo is 10.5 and I think that is spot on. I have the Bills finishing slightly over that with 11 wins. They will once again be in the playoffs but can they finally make a run?

2023 Record: 11-6

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By: Jake Rajala

The Los Angeles Rams pass rush was unusually lethal in 2021, as they ranked third in sacks (50), which stood behind the T.J. Watt-led Pittsburgh Steelers (55) & the Minnesota Vikings (51). Impressively the Rams and their ultimate QB hunter in Aaron Donald ranked second in sacks (53) in 2020, and fourth in sacks in 2019 (50).

So, how will the most tenacious human beings in LA perform in pursuing opposing signal-callers in 2022? I undoubtedly foresee the Rams being a Top-3 team in QB sacks in 2022. The Rams showcase the mythical AD, the electric Leonard Floyd (9.5 sacks in 2021 and 10.5 sacks in 2020), and A’Shawn Robinson.

Donald ousted 12.5 sacks, 25 QB hits, and absolutely stood out in the Super Bowl with a 90.1 pass rushing grade. The Rams DT has unleashed 11+ sacks in six of his prior seven seasons in the league. He’s also obtained first-team All-Pro honors in each of his past seven seasons. The Rams boldly made Donald the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history this off-season, too.

He will ask Floyd, who was signed as a free agent in the 2020 off-season, to continue wreaking havoc. Floyd registered personal-best stats in the following categories in 2020: sacks (10.5) and QB hits (19). He didn’t slow down chasing QBs in 2021 – where he unveiled 9.5 sacks and 18 QB hits. The 29-year-old will be a free agent in the 2025 off-season.

Justin Hollins, the man called on to replace Von Miller, is a prime breakout candidate for LA. He collected two sacks and 1 QB hit last season. Furthermore, he had a modest 69.8 grade by PFF. Hollins beat out Terrell Lewis for the starting OLB spot, as Lewis has ousted five sacks and 7 QB hits in his two-year career. The Rams cut ties with the D2 legend Chris Garrett. I would be shocked if another team didn’t claim the athletic freak and scrappy edge rusher.

The Rams are known for possessing a very gifted passing offense, but let’s not forget that they display a fire-breathing pass rush, too. It will be vital that the Rams can make life miserable for the mega-arm & bull-dozing QB Josh Allen in Week 1.

Allen may be the most popular MVP candidate heading into the 2022 season, but he wasn’t sinless against opponents with a violent pass rush a season ago. Last season – the Saints picked off Allen twice, the Colts intercepted the Bills QB1 twice, the Bucs snagged a pick against Allen, and Allen only threw 4 touchdowns to 1 int in his two games against the Phins. I foresee the Rams pressuring the Bills polarizing QB (who had 15 ints last season) into committing a couple of turnovers in their first battle of the 2022 season.

The post What to expect from the Los Angeles Rams pass rush in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The NFC West showcases numerous future Hall of Fame pass rushers — such as the newly well-compensated Aaron Donald and the versatile, maniac J.J. Watt. With that said, I’m going to simply highlight the unearthly defensive DL in the NFC West and rank the top pass rushers in the wild NFC West.

Aaron Donald

There isn’t any debate that AD is the top pass rusher in his division. The Rams DT has been named first-team All-Pro in each of the past seven seasons. He has also only missed two games in the past six seasons. He led his team in sacks (12.5) and QB hits (25) in 2021. He has been the highest-graded defender by PFF for six straight seasons — as PFF gave him a 93.6 grade in 2021. The highest-paid non-QB in NFL history flexed his ability in Super Bowl LVI with two sacks and a pivotal pressure against Joe Burrow on the Bengals last offensive play.

Markus Golden

Markus Golden has been quite productive for the Cardinals and he also has been able to stay healthy (contrary to Watt) — as he’s missed one game in the past three seasons. Golden ousted 11 sacks (.5 sack more than Chandler Jones), 19 QB hits, 10 TFLs, and four forced fumbles last season. The former Cardinal has been a Pro Bowl snub and he expressed that he should continue to excel in the Cards pass-rushing unit without Jones. Per NFL.com, Golden stated, “I respect him and learned a lot from Chandler. I can seriously he helped me become the player I am today. But whether I am playing with Chandler or anybody else, I feel like I’m a No. 1 pass rusher. You’ve got to have that mindset”.

J.J. Watt

The two-time DPOY winner J.J. Watt may not crack 10+ sacks in 2022, but he can still be a top-tier pass-rushing menace. Watt only played in seven games last season, but he still earned an impressive 79 grade by PFF. Arizona Sports 98.7 outlined how Watt led all pass rushers in QB hits and placed second in pressures after five games last season. Watt will definitely to have more sacks on his belt next season — as he chases his first Super Bowl ring with AZ and likely Kyler Murray.

Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd is the second edge rusher on this list that will look to amp up his sack total after losing an edge-rushing mate (as Von Miller went to Buffalo). Floyd had 9.5 sacks last season (after a 10.5 sack season in 2020). He also had 18 QB hits, 70 combined tackles, and 7 TFLs in 2021. He had a 70.4 grade by PFF. He might not be the sexiest run stopper, but he can certainly excel in pass-rushing situations. The former Bears first-round that signed a four-year contract worth $64 million dollars in the 2021 off-season will look to reach his first Pro Bowl in 2022.

Darrell Taylor

The Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor quietly had a stellar sophomore season — as he unleashed 6.5 sacks and 13 QB hits. Corbin K. Smith from All Seahawks outlined how he could be a double-digit sack player if he improves his ability to wrap up opposing quarterbacks. It’s safe to say that Taylor was raw in 2021 with his size and pass-rushing moves, so it should be said that the sky is the limit for Taylor. PFF ranked the Seahawks DL as the worst DL unit in the NFL, so it’s clear that Taylor will need to be the bright spot on the Hawks DL.

Shelby Harris

The Hawks may not have an elite edge rusher, but they have a strong balance between DE and DT pass-rushing prowess. The new Seahawk Shelby Harris is an athletic DT that can excel as a pass rusher and he showed that in 2021: 6 sacks and 11 QB hits. Harris is flat out one of the most underrated DTs in the NFL.

Greg Gaines

The Rams NT Greg Gaines had 4.5 sacks and 13 QB hits a season ago — after having 1.5 sacks and 3 QB hits in 2020. PFF awarded Gaines a modest 67.9 grade. AD expressed deep gratitude for Gaines, to say the least. Per PFF Bet, AD stated, “I don’t think there’s no nose tackle in the NFL that’s playing how he’s playing right now.” He Gaines will look to be a hulk-like figure against the run and pass in 2022 — as he strides for a hefty contract extension.

Uchenna Nwosu

The new Seahawks pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu could be the best-kept secret on the Hawks. After 4.5 sacks and 11 QB hits in 2020, Nwosu had 17 QB hits, 8 TFLs, and 5 sacks last season. Most importantly, he learned to utilize his impressive power as the 2021 season evolved (3 sacks in his past six games). He also made unique plays — as shown below.

The Seahawks chose not to bring back Carlos Dunlap (at least not yet), so it will be imperative that Nwosu has a career season across from Taylor in 2022.

Zach Allen

The Cardinals DL Zach Allen, also known as the son of Jared Allen, put together his best season in 2021 (4 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 1 interception) — after having two sacks and six QB hits in 2020. He also flashed his athleticism as he returned a fumble for a touchdown. He notably had two sacks against Trey Lance in last October’s match-up. Allen will really strive to shine in his contract season on the Jones-less defense.

A’Shawn Robinson

The former Lions DT A’Shawn Robinson is recognized as a mean run-stopper, but he is capable of hurting opposing QBs in the passing game. Besides Robinson recording 67 combined tackles and 2 FF in 2021, Robinson had a few sacks. PFF granted him a 72.5 grade in 2021. He is perhaps the Rams FA in 2023, so it’s clear that McVay will need to prioritize a new contract for the Rams DT.

The post Ranking the NFC West pass rushers right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Los Angeles Rams made a creative, potentially life-saving decision with the trade for Von Miller last season. Unfortunately, the Rams were not able to retain the future HOF pass rusher. I expect the Rams to witness a return from the greek god-like DT Aaron Donald and they still have Leonard Floyd to hunt down quarterbacks.

Despite the Rams projected horses on their defensive front in 2022, they have been rumored to reel in a new pass rusher. Turf Show Times suggested that the Rams could reunite with Robert Quinn and Ramblin Fan believes that Carl Nassib would be a logical fit for the reigning Super Bowl Champions. With that said, I’m going to simply outline a few FA pass rusher targets for the Rams.

Carlos Dunlap

I believe that Sean McVay wants to make another splash signing. They have expressed interest in reuniting with Odell Beckham Jr, but I’d like to see LA prioritize a talented edge rusher to replace Miller. Carlos Dunlap registered 8.5 sacks for SEA last season and he could blossom in a better situation next season. Clowney is off the board and Dunlap should be the next pass rusher on McVay’s wishlist.

Ryan Kerrigan

I don’t love Ryan Kerrigan’s ceiling, but he may be an excellent value signing. If the Rams aren’t able to obtain Dunlap, I’d like to see the Super Bowl-needy Kerrigan ink a one-year contract with the Rams. Per NBC Sports, he had an injury-filled off-season in 2021 and he also wasn’t able to have a quality role on the Eagles defense in the 2021-2022 season. It should be noted that his 2021 campaign was his onle season without 5.5+ sacks. I believe the combination of the Rams Super Bowl chances and Kerrigan’s desire to win a SB should help the two sides join together.

Justin Houston

The former third-round draft Justin Houston has refused to quit in the late stages of his career. Houston had 11 sacks in 2019 (IND), 8 sacks in 2020 (IND), and 4.5 sacks for the Ravens last season. Houston is a well-rounded defender that could also be a great mentor for the likes of Chris Garrett. The four-time Pro Bowl selection could re-sign with the Ravens, return to KC, or join a different contender: perhaps the Rams dream team?

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By: Jake Rajala

The LA Rams are undeniably one of the NFL juggernaut teams. I still believe that the Rams could benefit from the production of a few under-the-radar profiles. With that said, I’m going to simply outline a few Rams players that could unveil a career season in 2022.

Van Jefferson

I love the outlook for the underrated, third-year WR Van Jefferson in 2022. He will have excellent match-ups as the WR3 in Sean McVay’s dream team offense and he should only continue to grow with Matthew Stafford. He unveiled 802 yards and 6 touchdowns last season, but I expect him to be a 1,000-1,100 yd WR in an offense that should be in lots of competitive, shoot-outs next season.

Joe Noteboom

The Rams 26-year-old LT (and previous guard) Joe Noteboom registered a Top-15 pass blocking grade in his 142 snaps last season, per PFF. McVay clearly showed his confidence in Andrew Whitworth/Thanos’s replacement by re-signing the LT to a three-$40 million dollar deal. He may not be a sexy play-maker, but he will be pivotal for the Rams goal of being a dynasty team.

Leonard Floyd

The former Bears pass rusher has been successful (10.5 sacks in 2020 and 9.5 sacks in 2021), but I believe he could finally notch a Pro Bowl nod and unveil career numbers next season. He will not only have perfect match-ups across from the future HOF Aaron Donald, but the absence of Von Miller could help Floyd have better personal stats.

Honorable mention:

Chris Garrett

McVay believes he has a diamond in the rough with the D2 legend OLB/DE Chris Garrett. I expect the 2021 sixth-round pick and athletic freak that stayed on the roster last season to make splash plays in a rotional role at OLB next season. He may not be the next Floyd or Miller, but he could be a pivotal x-factor in the wild NFC West.

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Who Needs Leonard Floyd on Their Team?

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd is a free agent this offseason and has garnered attention from multiple teams after a strong 2020 season. He is valued to cost around $6-7 million a year which makes him affordable to a lot of teams. During his time in Chicago and LA he played 70 games and produced 29 sacks and 139 solo tackles and probably should have made this year’s Pro Bowl after a great year with LA.

With that in mind we take a look at who the top fits are for Leonard Floyd.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills had a great season winning the AFC East for the first time in 25 years. They then had a playoff win against Indianapolis but lost the AFC Championship game to Kansas City. One area that the Bills were weaker was in the defense, especially at the linebacker position. Also, their main linebacker, Matt Milano, is a free agent this year and it will cost a lot to keep him. There is also some debate as to whether the Bills should keep A.J Klein as he wouldn’t cost much to get rid of.

The biggest question the Bills need to ask themselves is how do they want to set up defensively. Last year saw a mixture of a 4-3 defensive formation but also at times they used coverage linebackers. However, a player like Leonard Floyd showed his versatility with the Rams this year as they used different formations. Floyd is the type of player that could make a big difference for the Bills defense.

One potential issue for the Bills will be finding the cap space to make the move but they could do it. They currently have just over $3 million of free money to use and with a few adjustments could get the room for Floyd. Given the potential changes that could happen at the linebacker position for the Bills, this is a move they need to make.

Verdict : The Bills would be a good spot for Floyd as he would want to go to a contender. The main issue is if they can find the money and that might stop it from happening.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts were another team who made it to the playoffs after a good season. They couldn’t quite make it past the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard round but showed how good they can be. Defensively the Colts had a really good season and finished ranked the third-best defense in the league.

One area that they could do with help the defensive side is at linebacker. Darius Leonard showed how good he is again this year but to have another high end linebacker would be huge. Floyd showed how good he could be with other quality defensive players around him. The Colts have got just as many good defensive players as the Rams and so the transition should be seamless.

Affordability will not be a problem for the Colts as they have a large war chest to go into free agency. They currently have around $50 million to spend so the expected value of Leonard Floyd won’t be an issue. On top of that, the Colts are a team looking to take that extra step and make it to the Super Bowl. This will appeal to a player like Floyd who would be leaving a Rams team that should be legitimate title contenders in 2021. He won’t want to leave LA and miss out unless the team he goes to can compete as well.

Verdict : The Colts have got the money and look like potential Superbowl contenders. They need an extra linebacker to help Darius Leonard and Floyd could be that guy.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins had a decent season and were a little unlucky to miss out on the playoffs. They finished the season with a 10-6 record and lost a few games they feel they should of won. A big decision to make in this offseason for the Dolphins will be if they stick with rookie QB Tua Tagovaiola. If they stick with Tua then we could see more free agent acquisitions in Miami. If they trade for a more experienced QB then they will have less money to spend.

The Miami Dolphins have got a good young defense and will develop in time. However, one area that needs a bit more cover is at linebacker and a potential Pro Bowler makes sense. Jerome Baker has shown positive signs at the position but he needs help and Floyd would be a good choice.

The money to sign a player like Leonard Floyd isn’t a problem for the Dolphins. They have $28 million to spend if they choose to and Floyd’s guide of $6/7m won’t break the bank. The Dolphins had the fourth ranked defense in the NFL last year and Brian Flores knows a strong defense is needed. An experienced head who is in his prime would make a lot of sense to push the Dolphins into the playoffs next year.

Verdict : The Dolphins have got plenty of cap space in order to make this move. They were close to the playoffs this year but they may want to spend their money on other areas first.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have had a massive transformation over the last few years and are now a playoff team. They finished the season with an 11-5 record and gave the Kansas City Chiefs a good game before losing. New head coach Kyle Stefanski has turned to a strong run game and defense in order to win games. However, the Browns were ranked as the 17th best defense and one area that needs improvement is at linebacker.

The linebacker unit in Cleveland has been a problem for a long time now and that needs to change. They bought in B.J Goodson and Malcolm Smith but neither have been spectacular. If the Browns want to progress and become a regular playoff team then they have to bring in better. Leonard Floyd would be better than both of these guys.

Cleveland is in a nice spot when it comes to cap space and so can get some upgrades in. Currently, they have got $25 million worth of free money so Floyd would be very affordable.

Verdict : Linebacker is an area that the Browns have been trying to fix for a few years now and Floyd could be it. They have the cap space and are moving in the right direction.

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