Each weekday, 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, March 20th about your Los Angeles Rams.
DEFENSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ESPN's Lindsey Thiry says the Rams defense remains in the 'building process' a day after the club agreed to terms on a two-year deal with veteran linebacker Clay Matthews.
The Rams have added support to their secondary and linebackers a week into free agency by adding safety Eric Weddle and Matthews, but questions remain on the defensive line in Los Angeles — especially considering the likely departure of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
According to Thiry, the question mark on the DL could be answered from within, considering the versatility of defensive tackle Michael Brockers and early signs of production from rookie defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers.
Here's what Thiry had to say about the impact of Suh's potential departure:
"Suh's departure will be felt, but it's unlikely to leave a gaping hole. Although Suh had dominant performances in the divisional round of the playoffs and the NFC Championship Game, he did not produce consistent results throughout the season playing alongside Donald on a unit that allowed a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry and ranked 19th in average yards allowed per game at 358.6."
For more on the Rams adjustments on defense this offseason, click here.
GRADING THE MATTHEWS MOVE
The Athletic's Lindsay Jones dished out a high grade for the Rams decision to bring on Matthews in free agency and she said the whether or not the move pays off depends on how the club uses its latest defensive addition.
Grade the move: B "Matthews' deal is in line with the market for players of his age and experience, and he should thrive back home in Los Angeles. If the Rams let him focus on rushing the passer and not ask him to play too much inside linebacker at this stage in his career, this could be a very good move for a win-now team."
For the full article, click here ($).
POWER RANKINGS
NFL.com's Elliot Harrison has his first set of power rankings since his post-Super Bowl LIII 1-32 released last month. The latest ranking reflect where each team stands a week into free agency and the Rams join the Patriots, Saints, Chargers, and Colts near the top.
Here's why Harrison gives the Rams a high ranking:
No. 3 Los Angeles Rams: DT Ndamukong Suh and RB C.J. Anderson might have their feet out the door as free agents, but the most important offseason question was answered: Would 37-year-old -- and four-time Pro Bowler -- Andrew Whitworth call it a day? No. The veteran left tackle will lace 'em up for one more go at the Super Bowl. How much running back Todd Gurley will go this season is another issue.
For more on the Rams and the full power rankings, click here.
A BIG YEAR TWO
Pro Football Focus stamped tight end Gerald Everett as a '2nd Year Standout' on Tuesday.
Everett was a spark off the bench in his second season, appearing in all 16 games and reeling in 33 receptions for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
