Nobody predicted that the Los Angeles Rams would tank and rebuild this season.
After the salary cap and the Rams’ all-in approach finally caught up with them last season, the organization moved on from a slew of veterans to clean up their cap sheet. They sent Allen Robinson to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a pair of seventh-round picks. They released Bobby Wagner, who joined the Seattle Seahawks. The largest trade of them all occurred when the Los Angeles Rams sent Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, who was also a third-round pick not long ago.
In Southern California, it appeared to be a teardown, but the Rams are creating lemonade out of lemons. Los Angeles is firmly in contention for an NFC wild card place, due to an offense that ranks sixth in the NFL in EPA per play. Only the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions had a better record in that category.
The offense has been excellent, but the defense could use some help. The Rams are now ranked 22nd in terms of EPA per play allowed. That comes as no surprise. With the noteworthy exception of Aaron Donald, their defense is stacked with young guys, which is especially true in the secondary. Their starting cornerbacks are Derion Kendrick and Ahkello Witherspoon.
Los Angeles might benefit from an update in this area. Fortunately, the Rams may be able to pursue a few cornerbacks before the 2023 NFL trade deadline.
Mr. Donte Jackson
The Carolina Panthers may hold a fire sale in the run-up to the Halloween deadline. The Panthers have made trade requests for Brian Burns, Jeremy Chinn, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Donte Jackson.
The Rams may have their sights set on a greater prize in Carolina. Around this time last year, they offered two first-round picks and a second-round pick to Carolina in exchange for Burns. But Burns will have plenty of suitors, and the Rams may not be willing to surrender such a large number of selections again. According to the most recent information, the Panthers are likely to hang on.
Jackson should be offered for a considerably lower cost. Carolina also has two former first-round picks at cornerback in Jaycee Horn, who is currently injured, and CJ Henderson, who was acquired in a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Panthers could also opt out of Jackson’s contract after this season without incurring too much of a salary hit, allowing them to acquire draft capital in the process.
More than any other team in the NFL, the Rams could use another cornerback. A trade here would be beneficial to both parties.
Surtain, Patrick II
They are 1-5 on the season. Sean Payton is in his first season as head coach and is eager to make his mark on the team. They’ve already waived Frank Clark and dealt Randy Gregory for a late-round pick. Many trade speculations have swirled around Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Patrick Surtain II hasn’t been as well-known in the trading market as he should be. He is already regarded as one of the top corners in the NFL. Surtain S, on the other hand, should be able to garner a windfall of draft picks if the Broncos wish to start over.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Denver is “willing to listen to trade interest in almost any player on the defensive side.” Given that the club ranks dead lowest in EPA per play allowed by a country mile, that makes sense. Surtain, on the other hand, has not been a problem. While he hasn’t lived up to the expectations he’s set for himself, he’s done an excellent job covering opposing teams’ top receivers.
Surtain’s Week 5 interception against the New York Jets while covering Garrett Wilson gave the Broncos a chance to win.
Surtain is a top-tier NFL cornerback. Surtain would be a wonderful fit for the Rams if they want to build for the future because he fills a need and can help the club today.
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