Los Angeles Rams went all-in and it paid off. The Rams now have the Lombardi Trophy, a new trophy to prove their investment in big contracts and draft picks.
Some teams might be tempted to take the same path to success. The Denver Broncos recently sent a huge haul to Seattle for Russell Wilson. Even the Rams are aware that this is not the wave of the future.
Kevin Demoff, chief operating officer of the Rams, stated that “Maybe that is not for everyone” and that it might not be sustainable before the Rams beat Cincinnati in the Super Bowl. It may not work long-term, even though it seems to work every year. It’s working right this moment.
Since selecting quarterback Jared Goff at Number.1, the Rams haven’t had a first round draft pick. They were drafted No. 1 in 2016 and haven’t had another until 2024. They were able to become champions by using four of the first-rounders they used to acquire Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford, and two more.
Les Snead, general manager of the Rams, stated last month that “the model is working.” It’s allowing us win games consistently and to contend for the NFC West. We will try to use our picks creatively and in innovative ways. Sometimes it will be selecting players for the draft, other times it will be using them in order to acquire players.
The Rams have the second-most draft picks among any franchise, despite not having any first-round picks after Goff. It is crucial to find starters in the middle and later rounds.
Baltimore Ravens prioritised adding compensation picks in order to give them more assets.
“Years back, for example, we felt that we had a chance to collect comp picks. It took a while for other teams to catch-up. Eric DeCosta, Ravens general manager, stated that everyone is now doing it.
Teams have the opportunity to increase their roster with free agency opening next week, and the draft next month. However, they don’t need to give up valuable picks for highly-priced players. In a salary-cap sport, you can’t spend freely without restrictions. According to Overthecap.com, the threshold is currently exceeded by the Rams, Saints and Packers, Buccaneers, Vikings and Packers at more than $15million.
“You must be able see the entire year as an opportunity for improvement in your team. Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas Raiders coach, said that it’s not limited to March and April. There are opportunities in pro-free agency. The draft offers many opportunities. Players who didn’t make it to the draft have opportunities. Opportunities will present themselves in the spring and summer as well as throughout the season, including the trade deadline.
We’re going to be patient, trying to build your roster over the long-term and taking a longer term approach to it. While we know that there are areas we need to improve on, we don’t think we are any different from other teams at this time. There are players we like and areas on the team where we have more depth. But there are still areas that need attention.
After missing the playoffs in six of their previous seasons, the Broncos tried a new approach.
They are counting on Wilson to lead them to the playoffs, having led the Seahawks to eight consecutive postseasons in 10 years. He also started every game up until he sustained a finger injury that cost him three games last season. Denver already has a strong core of wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Smith, as well as K.J. Patrick and Tim Patrick. Hamler, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Javonte Wils at tight end.
Wilson was within one yard of leading the Seahawks three consecutive Super Bowl wins in his first three seasons. He witnessed Tom Brady join the Buccaneers in 2020, and led them to a Super Bowl championship. Stafford did the exact same thing his first year with Rams. Wilson does not have to win a championship in his first season with the Rams to make the trade worth it for the Broncos.
