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The Los Angeles Rams have limited cap space for the 2017 offseason and must be smarter with their money. Sleeper free agents can make all the difference of an offseason. Below are five sleeper free agents the Rams should target:
1. Micah Hyde, defensive back, Green Bay Packers
Hyde is a Wade Phillips type of defensive back because he’s versatile, intelligent and decent in coverage. Hyde can play cornerback or safety, which is intriguing since injuries are always a concern. Phillips can also play Hyde in situational packages involving blitzes. The Packers used him in similar situations. The Rams may be able to sign him at an affordable price since the defensive back market is saturated this offseason, and Hyde is under-the-radar. I wouldn’t recommend Hyde being the top corner on the roster, but he can compete with E.J. Gaines for a starting role. He started in 11 games, finishing with 45 tackles, nine pass deflections, three interceptions and one sack.
2. Gerald Hodges, linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
The Rams are thin at linebacker and will need to think strategically in filling in the roster. Hodges has the potential to be a decent starter in the NFL, but is still a bit of mystery. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, and didn’t see much playing time because the Vikings have an excellent linebacker corps. He made his way to the 49ers in 2015, and finally began to flourish last season. Hodges is great in coverage, but a little undersized. Still, in 12 games started he earned 52 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. If nothing else, Hodges would provide excellent depth and shouldn’t break the bank.
3. Adam Thielen, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings
The Rams may have enough money to bring back Kenny Britt or maybe one of the top WR free agents. It wouldn’t to hurt bring in several receivers, and Thielen is name to look out for because of his hard work and dedication to the game. Right away, he sounds like the type of player that head coach Sean McVay covets, and is the much-needed disciplined player the receiving corps needs. He quickly became one of Sam Bradford’s top targets last season, and finished with 69 receptions, 967 receiving yards and five touchdowns after only starting in 10 games. Having a reliable receiver like Thielen on the roster would help Jared Goff’s progression.
4. Ronald Leary, offensive guard, Dallas Cowboys
Leary will likely be the priciest option on this list, but can still be an affordable option. The Cowboys were fortunate enough to have La’El Collins fall into their laps, and ultimately took Leary’s job. Yes, he is a guard and the Rams’ trouble is at left tackle, but the Rams aren’t likely to fill that need this offseason. Instead, the Rams can shift Rodger Saffold back to the starting left tackle spot, and have Leary fill in at guard. It wouldn’t hurt to have his veteran prowess to this young offensive line, and perhaps guys like Jamon Brown, Cody Wichmann or even Greg Robinson (should they try to move him back to guard) can learn from him.
5. J.C. Tretter, center, Green Bay Packers
Of the five players, Tretter is the riskiest option due to his recent injuries. He initially sustained a sprained MCL back in November, and then underwent knee surgery in late January. That kind of injury can really jeopardize a player’s career. The hope is that he will be fully recovered before the season begins, but he will need to get himself football ready again, and that can take some time. If the Rams decide to take a risk on Tretter, it should only be for a one-year deal. If Tretter returns as the same player he once was, he will be an instant upgrade over Tim Barnes. The Rams could land him at a fraction of his original asking price due to his injury predicament.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2017, Adam Thielen, Cody Wichmann, E.J. Gaines, featured, free agency, Gerald Hodges, Greg Robinson, J.C. Tretter, Jamon Brown, Jared Goff, la rams, La'el Collins, Los Angeles Rams, Micah Hyde, NFL, offseason, rams, Rodger Saffold, Ronald Leary, sean mcvay, Tim Barnes, Wade Phillips
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The Los Angeles Rams have limited cap space for the 2017 offseason and must be smarter with their money. Sleeper free agents can make all the difference of an offseason. Below are five sleeper free agents the Rams should target:
1. Micah Hyde, defensive back, Green Bay Packers
Hyde is a Wade Phillips type of defensive back because he’s versatile, intelligent and decent in coverage. Hyde can play cornerback or safety, which is intriguing since injuries are always a concern. Phillips can also play Hyde in situational packages involving blitzes. The Packers used him in similar situations. The Rams may be able to sign him at an affordable price since the defensive back market is saturated this offseason, and Hyde is under-the-radar. I wouldn’t recommend Hyde being the top corner on the roster, but he can compete with E.J. Gaines for a starting role. He started in 11 games, finishing with 45 tackles, nine pass deflections, three interceptions and one sack.
2. Gerald Hodges, linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
The Rams are thin at linebacker and will need to think strategically in filling in the roster. Hodges has the potential to be a decent starter in the NFL, but is still a bit of mystery. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, and didn’t see much playing time because the Vikings have an excellent linebacker corps. He made his way to the 49ers in 2015, and finally began to flourish last season. Hodges is great in coverage, but a little undersized. Still, in 12 games started he earned 52 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. If nothing else, Hodges would provide excellent depth and shouldn’t break the bank.
3. Adam Thielen, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings
The Rams may have enough money to bring back Kenny Britt or maybe one of the top WR free agents. It wouldn’t to hurt bring in several receivers, and Thielen is name to look out for because of his hard work and dedication to the game. Right away, he sounds like the type of player that head coach Sean McVay covets, and is the much-needed disciplined player the receiving corps needs. He quickly became one of Sam Bradford’s top targets last season, and finished with 69 receptions, 967 receiving yards and five touchdowns after only starting in 10 games. Having a reliable receiver like Thielen on the roster would help Jared Goff’s progression.
4. Ronald Leary, offensive guard, Dallas Cowboys
Leary will likely be the priciest option on this list, but can still be an affordable option. The Cowboys were fortunate enough to have La’El Collins fall into their laps, and ultimately took Leary’s job. Yes, he is a guard and the Rams’ trouble is at left tackle, but the Rams aren’t likely to fill that need this offseason. Instead, the Rams can shift Rodger Saffold back to the starting left tackle spot, and have Leary fill in at guard. It wouldn’t hurt to have his veteran prowess to this young offensive line, and perhaps guys like Jamon Brown, Cody Wichmann or even Greg Robinson (should they try to move him back to guard) can learn from him.
5. J.C. Tretter, center, Green Bay Packers
Of the five players, Tretter is the riskiest option due to his recent injuries. He initially sustained a sprained MCL back in November, and then underwent knee surgery in late January. That kind of injury can really jeopardize a player’s career. The hope is that he will be fully recovered before the season begins, but he will need to get himself football ready again, and that can take some time. If the Rams decide to take a risk on Tretter, it should only be for a one-year deal. If Tretter returns as the same player he once was, he will be an instant upgrade over Tim Barnes. The Rams could land him at a fraction of his original asking price due to his injury predicament.
Source: Pro-football-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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