Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.
Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Los Angeles Rams in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.
ESPN -- Rank: 25
Most improved: Backup quarterback
While not many teams could have overcome the injuries the Rams had in 2023, their play without quarterback Matthew Stafford showed just how unprepared they were to stay competitive without him. The Rams remedied that for the end of the season by claiming Baker Mayfield off waivers, but he was a short-term solution. By drafting Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, the Rams believe they've added the needed protection for Stafford, who played nine games last season, with two stints in the concussion protocol. Stafford ended the season on injured reserve with a spinal cord contusion. Although the Rams obviously hope Bennett doesn't need to play, they are now in a much stronger position to win games if he does.
While not many teams could have overcome the injuries the Rams had in 2023, their play without quarterback Matthew Stafford showed just how unprepared they were to stay competitive without him. The Rams remedied that for the end of the season by claiming Baker Mayfield off waivers, but he was a short-term solution. By drafting Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, the Rams believe they've added the needed protection for Stafford, who played nine games last season, with two stints in the concussion protocol. Stafford ended the season on injured reserve with a spinal cord contusion. Although the Rams obviously hope Bennett doesn't need to play, they are now in a much stronger position to win games if he does.
NFL.com -- Rank: 20
The Rams sat out the first round (again) this spring, once again proving the theory that, no matter how big your party house is, you won't get much attention this time of year without a premium draft choice. L.A.'s buzziest pick came in Day 3, when the team finally addressed its barren QB depth chart with the selection of Stetson Bennett, fresh off consecutive national championships at Georgia. Fun fact: Bennett is the first quarterback the Rams have taken in the draft since Jared Goff went No. 1 back in 2016. Bennett isn't about to push Matthew Stafford for the starting job, but winning the backup spot could pave the way for playing time this season.
CBS Sports -- Rank: 31
They are in rebuild mode, which will make for a long season. But with Matt Stafford, Aaron Donald and coach Sean McVay they do still have some stars.
USA Today -- Rank: 13
Reminder that QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp and DL Aaron Donald missed a combined 22 games last season, and that hardly tells the full story of LA's injury woes. However even with Donald, a diminished defense projects as a real concern, and Stafford may have to win a lot of shootouts.
The Athletic -- Rank: 23
Draft takeaway: The Rams might like having a veteran roster a little too much. Their second, third and fourth selections in the draft (Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Stetson Bennett) were each the oldest or second-oldest players at their positions with a draftable grade in Brugler's The Beast.
Hype man: Change the pawns around them all you want, as long as Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald are healthy, we've got a chance to beat anyone.
Davis Downer: Name, like, two Rams besides those three.
Hype man: Change the pawns around them all you want, as long as Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald are healthy, we've got a chance to beat anyone.
Davis Downer: Name, like, two Rams besides those three.
PFF -- Rank: 30
The Rams took a step back this offseason instead of continuing to employ an aggressive roster construction approach, but trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey was a big loss nonetheless. Their only notable addition was tight end Hunter Long, who had just 94 snaps last season and figures to be a depth option behind Tyler Higbee.
Los Angeles was wise to be just as aggressive in tearing the roster down as it was building it up, but the team doesn't figure to win many football games in 2023 as a result. The Rams have embraced a full-on youth movement, with a 14-player draft class and a 26-player undrafted free agent group.
Rookies make up nearly half the roster, so the Rams will look to find as much cheap, young talent as possible before perhaps pushing their chips back in for 2024 and beyond. The best long-term outcome is likely losing enough games to draft a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but head coach Sean McVay may be too good to lose that often despite a lack of talent to work with.
Los Angeles was wise to be just as aggressive in tearing the roster down as it was building it up, but the team doesn't figure to win many football games in 2023 as a result. The Rams have embraced a full-on youth movement, with a 14-player draft class and a 26-player undrafted free agent group.
Rookies make up nearly half the roster, so the Rams will look to find as much cheap, young talent as possible before perhaps pushing their chips back in for 2024 and beyond. The best long-term outcome is likely losing enough games to draft a quarterback early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but head coach Sean McVay may be too good to lose that often despite a lack of talent to work with.
PFT -- Rank: 28
Not saying Sean McVay reads Football Morning in America, but I do believe that retching sound you'll hear around 7 a.m. PT today is the sound of McVay vomiting when he sees his team ranked 28th in the NFL offseason power rankings.
More Los Angeles Rams pages:
- Los Angeles Rams Mock Draft Roundup
- Los Angeles Rams 2023 NFL Draft Grades
- Los Angeles Rams Draft History
- Los Angeles Rams Schedule
- Los Angeles Rams Tickets
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- 2024 NFL Mock Draft
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- NFL Strength of Schedule
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