The Rams will finish off their offseason program with mandatory minicamp this week. Here are five questions to ponder heading into Tuesday's first practice.
1) How does Goff look at QB?
This has been an important offseason for second-year quarterback Jared Goff, and by all accounts he's done well to pick up head coach Sean McVay's new offensive scheme. Goff hasn't spoken to the media since OTA No. 1 back in May but is slated for a Tuesday press conference. If he's comfortable with the playbook and continues to make progress, the Rams will be in good shape heading into training camp.
**
Check out photos from the Rams top draft picks officially signing their contracts. Photos by Jeff Lewis.
2) What's the competition like at right tackle?**
After coming into OTAs with Greg Robinson penciled in at right tackle, Jamon Brown has emerged as a potential starting candidate at that spot. McVay has already said that Brown will likely get an opportunity at right tackle when the Rams open camp in late July. But for now, it will be interesting to see who might have a leg up — or if another candidate could emerge.
3) Are there standouts at cornerback?
Aside from Trumaine Johnson, the Rams' cornerback competition appears to be wide open. It can be a little tough to tell who's standing out at corner prior to training camp because players aren't wearing pads and there is no one-on-one competition. We do know defensive coordinator Wade Phillips thinks well of cornerback Kayvon Webster from their shared time in Denver. E.J. Gaines, Mike Jordan, and Troy Hill have started for this franchise, and Nickell Robey-Coleman has plenty of experience from his four years in Buffalo. It might be a while before one player definitively emerges, but this should be a solid competition to watch.
4) What about receivers?
Los Angeles currently has 12 wide receivers on its roster — a number that will decrease significantly at the end of the preseason. But until then, who can set themselves apart from the pack? Robert Woods has likely solidified himself as one of the Rams' top targets with a strong offseason program. McVay has spoken highly of second-year wideout Mike Thomas, saying he's been impressed with Thomas' speed. And Cooper Kupp has seemingly caught everything thrown his way since being drafted. But there's plenty still to be determined when it comes to the Rams' receiving corps.
5) Will Donald attend?
While he participated in the Rams' voluntary minicamp in april, defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not attend Los Angeles' OTAs. General manager Les Snead confirmed that Donald's absence was contract related, as both the team and player would like to work out a new deal. But the earlier aspects of this year's offseason program were voluntary — minicamp is mandatory. And so because of that, we'll see if Donald elects to participate or chooses to remain training elsewhere.
Check out behind-the-scenes shots of players at 2017 Rams Media Day. Photos by Hiro Ueno.