2016-Present

Offseason 2017: Greatest positions of need for the L.A. Rams offense

It’s common knowledge that the Los Angeles Rams need some major help on offense. It’s hard to pinpoint which positions need to be addressed the most. Below are the top three areas of need on offense.

1. Left tackle

Yes, the Rams have tried to replace the left tackle position ever since the legendary Orlando Pace retired. And yes, the Rams have drafted countless busts at this position. It’s also safe to say that Greg Robinson is not the answer. Perhaps they can use him as depth? The Rams could try and keep Rodger Saffold at left tackle as the permanent starter, but the issue is he can’t stay healthy. The  problem is also exacerbated with the team missing a first round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, so the will need pay up to secure a top free agent.

The options are mainly for short-term solutions. The top target as a short term solution should be Andrew Whitworth of the Cincinnati Bengals. He is one of the best left tackles in league, despite being 35 years old. The max contract that should be offered is two years, because he will decline at some point. However, this could be the best solution, and Whitworth may able to teach Robinson as well. The only other free agent worth pursuing is Ty Nsekhe from the Washington Redskins. He filled in for Trent Williams and played fairly well. Head coach Sean McVay could provide general manager Les Snead with some insight, and might be an easier target to bring in than Whitworth.

2. Wide Receiver

The Rams do need to bring back Kenny Britt, but if they can lure a receiver that can compete with Britt, that would be ideal. Actually, the Rams should aim to bring in a couple of wide receivers to replace Brian Quick and a few others. This is a position to watch for because there are plenty of possibilities for the Rams.

The top target in free agency at WR is the Chicago Bears’ Alshon Jeffery. This is a dream case scenario, but he would provide Jared Goff another big target option. Britt and Jeffery on the field at the same time could become the offense the Rams have dreamed of fielding. But, Jeffery does have history with injuries and off-the-field issues, which is something to consider before offering a long-term contract.

The Rams could also continue to funnel down the McVay pipeline and look at Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. It appears McVay knows how to exploit their talents and could bring much needed production to this lackluster offense. They should be cheaper options than that of Jeffery. Another option could be Terrelle Pryor from the Cleveland Browns. who produced a 1,000-yard season. He is learning the position, so he isn’t perfect, but he has a lot of upside.

3. Center

I am still confused as to why Tim Barnes remains the Rams’ starting center, but that absolutely needs to change. This could be an option to look for in the draft, but a veteran would be preferred. There are actually a few decent options at center such as the Green Bay Packers’ J.C. Tretter, who could possibly be available at an affordable price after losing his job following an injury. The Broncos’ Matt Paradis is another option, but he has injury concerns, which makes me want to avoid him. Stefen Wisniewski was a backup of the Philadelphia Eagles last season, so he does have mild intrigue based on his potential. I’d be willing to roll the dice on him rather than having Barnes start another season. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Barnes back, but as a backup.

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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