This offseason, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Wednesday, May 2nd about your Los Angeles Rams:
Post-Draft Joy or Blues? How all 32 NFL Fan Bases Should Feel
With the initial waves of free agency and the draft a thing of the past, many fans were left wondering about their team's outlook for 2018. This week, the team at ESPN's NFL Nation is helping fans out by rating how optimistic each fanbase should be based on the following scale:
Rating 3: Confident — There are enough pieces in place to seriously contend.
Rating 2: Hopeful — A few question marks, but reason to be optimistic.
Rating 1: Lukewarm — Question marks put the ceiling at .500.
After a successful free agency period and a solid NFL Draft, the NFL Nation reporters believe Rams fans have plenty to look forward to this season.
Los Angeles Rams: Rating 3
"It's crazy to say that this could be the Rams' year, given the feeling around this team at this time last year. But they surged behind Sean McVay last season, going 11-5 while leading the NFL in points. And they've added four legitimate stars in Brandin Cooks, Ndamukong Suh, Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. Their defensive line (with Suh, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers) and secondary (with Talib, Peters, Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson and Nickell Robey-Coleman) are among the best, as is their special-teams unit. Their offense, led by reigning Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley, could be even better if Jared Goff takes another step forward in his development. The Rams are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and they're acting like it. -- Alden Gonzalez"
**Ranking the 2018 Fantasy Rookies
**
The conclusion of the NFL draft means the start of dynasty rookie drafts across the fantasy football landscape. Pro Football Focus ranked the top 101 players in this year's draft class according to their projected fantasy value.
Los Angeles' newest running back, John Kelly, was listed among the top 101 players, coming in at No.29.
"He'll start his career as Todd Gurley's backup, which gives Kelly value as a handcuff," said Jeff Ratcliffe of PFF.
Kelly was the 11th running back named to the list and was the ninth-ranked among his position group heading into the draft. Here's what PFF had to say about the future Rams running back:
"9. John Kelly, Tennessee — He's slightly undersized, but stout (5-9, 205). Only one season of full-time work thanks to a loaded Tennessee depth chart earlier in his college career. In 2017, Kelly was relatively effective after contact with 37 forced missed tackles as a runner, but his average of 4.1 yards per carry leaves something to be desired. Showed well as a receiver last season with 37 catches on 45 targets. Only played 791 snaps in college. While he isn't the most dynamic back, Kelly's ability as a receiver is appealing and could lead to some fantasy value."
