There’s a lot of optimism around the Los Angeles Rams this summer, especially after going 10-7 and making the playoffs last season when few thought they’d win even eight games. With a reloaded offensive line and some reinforcements – both young and old – on defense, the Rams should be even better in 2024.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager visited Rams camp on Tuesday and left Loyola Marymount impressed by what Sean McVay and Les Snead have built. He shared some of his observations from training camp, noting how good Matthew Stafford looks and the stellar play of both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
“Stafford looks incredible, and Kupp and Nacua are dialed in,” Schrager said. “Cooper Kupp, coming off a little bit of an injury. Wasn’t himself last year maybe, looks amazing. He isin the best shape he’s been in in years. And then Nacua, we’re talking about a guy who had a record-breaking rookie year. He was unbelievable at practice yesterday.”
There are some questions about the Rams’ defense without Aaron Donald, but Schrager is confident in the group Los Angeles has assembled. He couldn’t help but notice that Jared Verse is everywhere, flying around the field in practice.
“Aaron Donald’s gone,” Schrager said. “You didn’t notice it yesterday. Chris Shula, he’s now the new defensive coordinator as Raheem Morris goes to Atlanta, this D looked good. And Jared Verse is a rookie, going to be wearing No. 8, he was everywhere. Flying all over the field. He was their first pick at 19 overall. He is the dude to watch and Braden Fiske, the other one, they were college teammates at Florida State, they’re both going to play a big role.”
Jordan Whittington has generated some buzz in training camp as a sixth-round rookie and there’s no question he’s made of the right stuff, cut from a similar cloth as Kupp and Nacua.
After practice was over and everyone was gone, Schrager saw Whittington sitting down catching over-the-shoulder passes from the JUGS machine.
“After practice, everyone’s gone, there’s a JUGS machine out there,” Schrager said. “I’ve never seen this drill. Whittington is lying down on his back, the JUGS machine is behind him, and he’s catching balls like this while lying down on his back. I was like, ‘Is that for show?’ I was talking to a coach. And he’s like, ‘This guy does his own thing and he’s been awesome all practice.’”
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Rams right now and Schrager’s comments only echo what has fans so excited about the 2024 season.
