Rams GM Les Snead lauded for ‘admirable’ offseason

CBS Sports ranked LA among the 10 best offseasons in 2024

The Los Angeles Rams needed a foundational offseason to rebound from a miserable 2022 campaign. LA had a stellar draft which paved the way to a successful return to the playoffs last season. Early indications are that the Rams and general manager Les Snead might have hit the jackpot yet again.

Josh Edwards from CBS Sports lauded Snead for an “admirable” 2024 offseason as he ranked LA as having one of the 10 best offseasons. Edwards placed the Rams at No. 6 in his June 17 article:

“Los Angeles was not in the best financial spot entering the offseason and the retirement of future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Aaron Donald will be felt this season. However, the Donald decision was out of Los Angeles’ hands. The response of general manager Les Snead was admirable, though.

It was savvy to continue fortifying the offensive line with the signing of bargain trade acquisition Kevin Dotson and the signing of offensive guard Jonah Jackson. To account for Donald’s departure, the Rams selected defensive linemen with their first two selections: Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse and Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske.”

Four of the top six teams came from the NFC and they were Da Bears (1), Cardinals (2) and the Eagles (5). Also joining LA in the rankings were the Steelers (3), Texans (4), Patriots (7), Commanders (8), Titans (9) and the Rams’ other non-49ers archnemesis, the Lions (10).

As with anything in the NFL, time will tell as to whether the Rams or any of the other nine teams have truly improved after stellar offseasons. Los Angeles will likely have tough competition in the conference if squads like Arizona, Philly and Chicago build upon their offseason work and surpass expectations.

Either way, the Rams added to their core with the selections of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. Snead was smart to add the Florida State pair, even with the cost to move up for Fiske. Absolutely no one will remember or care about the cost assuming the move pans out. Both players seemingly have a tight-knit connection already which should bode well for the upcoming campaign and the long-term future.

The only way for Les Snead to be vindicated for his offseason work is for the Rams to perform in 2024. Snead has established a promising foundation with his draft picks the last two years and the only way to go in Hollywood from here is up.