The Los Angeles Rams are entering a season in which they should have Super Bowl aspirations. As Week 1 approaches, the excitement for this version of the Rams will only grow. This is a team that made moves such as signing wide receiver Davante Adams. Despite some health issues, they’ve managed to avoid anything long-term. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is back in action and Alaric Jackson is anticipated to participate next week. That feeling of excitement has exuded throughout the organization. Rams President
Kevin Demoff recently called this current version of the Rams the most talented roster since the team has been in Los Angeles. Said Demoff,
“I think this is the most talented team we’ve had since we’ve been in Los Angeles. I think that’s what’s exciting from a true perspective as a Rams fan.”
That’s pretty bold, even coming from the Rams president. The Rams had a talented roster in 2018, headlining players such as Marcus Peters and Brandin Cooks. In 2021, the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford and then also added players such as Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr.
| 2018 | 2021 | 2025 | |
| QB | Jared Goff (3) | Matthew Stafford (1) | Matthew Stafford (2) |
| RB | Todd Gurley (1) | Darrell Henderson (3) | Kyren Williams (2) |
| WR1 | Robert Woods (3) | Cooper Kupp (1) | Puka Nacua (2) |
| WR2 | Brandin Cooks (3) | Robert Woods/Odell Beckham Jr. (1) | Davante Adams (2) |
| WR3 | Cooper Kupp (1) | Van Jefferson (3) | Tutu Atwell (2) |
| TE | Tyler Higbee (2) | Tyler Higbee (1) | Tyler Higbee (3) |
| LT | Andrew Whitworth (1) | Andrew Whitworth (2) | Alaric Jackson (3) |
| LG | Rodger Saffold (1) | David Edwards (3) | Steve Avila (2) |
| C | John Sullivan (1) | Brian Allen (3) | Coleman Shelton (2) |
| RG | Austin Blythe (3) | Austin Corbett (2) | Kevin Dotson (1) |
| RT | Rob Havenstein (1) | Rob Havenstein (2) | Rob Havenstein (3) |
Offensively, the 2018 team might have the edge, strictly on the offensive line. That unit is by far the best offensive line that the Rams have had in the Sean McVay era. Andrew Whitworth and Rodger Saffold were dominant on the left side while John Sullivan was solid in the middle. Rob Havenstein was steady at right tackle. That’s also a wide receiver group that was right up there with the best in recent Rams history.
The 2021 and 2025 teams are pretty even. Matthew Stafford in 2021 has the edge over the current version. An argument could be made for either WR2, but Odell Beckham was a difference-maker down the stretch. We’ll see what Adams can bring to the table. Atwell and Jefferson are pretty even as well as the talent on the offensive line. Whitworth has the clear edge at left tackle while Dotson has the edge at right guard. All of the others are toss-ups.
| 2018 | 2021 | 2025 | |
| DL1 | Aaron Donald (1) | Aaron Donald (2) | Kobie Turner (3) |
| DL2 | Ndamukong Suh (3) | A’Shawn Robinson (1) | Braden Fiske (2) |
| DL3 | Michael Brockers (1) | Sebastian Joseph-Day (3) | Poona Ford (2) |
| LB1 | Cory Littleton (1) | Troy Reeder (3) | Omar Speights (2) |
| LB2 | Mark Barron (2) | Ernest Jones (1) | Nate Landman (3) |
| EDGE1 | Dante Fowler (3) | Leonard Floyd (2) | Jared Verse (1) |
| EDGE2 | Samson Ebukam (3) | Justin Hollins/Von Miller (2) | Byron Young (1) |
| CB1 | Marcus Peters (2) | Jalen Ramsey (1) | Ahkello Witherspoon (3) |
| CB2 | Aqib Talib (1) | Darious Williams (2) | Darious Williams (3) |
| CB3 | Nickell Robey-Coleman (1) | David Long (3) | Cobie Durant (2) |
| S1 | John Johnson III (1) | Taylor Rapp (3) | Quentin Lake (2) |
| S2 | Lamarcus Joyner (3) | Jordan Fuller (1) | Kam Curl (2) |
| K | Greg Zuerlein (1) | Matt Gay (2) | Joshua Karty (3) |
| P | Johnny Hekker (1) | Johnny Hekker (2) | Ethan Evans (3) |
The secondary is where the current Rams roster really takes a hit. It doesn’t get much ebtter than Jalen Ramsey at cornerback. Talib and Peters were a very good duo in 2018. The current Rams team just hasn’t invested a lot into that position. With that said, the current Rams do have the advantage on the edge. Jared Verse and Byron Young are undoubtedly the best pair that the defense has had.
On special teams, the past Rams teams had more proven talent, but Evans and Karty could certainly take a step forward this year.
There is certainly a lot of upside with this Rams team, but it still seems far-fetched to call this the best roster that they’ve had since being in Los Angeles. The 2018 team probably has that title with the 2021 team not far behind because of the advantage in the secondary. That doesn’t mean that the Rams can’t win with the current roster or that players can’t improve. This current Rams roster has a lot of young players who could take that next step.
Still, this is likely the most talented roster that the Rams have had since the 2021 Super Bowl season. It’s the one that will give them the best chance to win one more time with Matthew Stafford under center.
