Rams News: NFL’s “unsung heroes” of 2022 include Rams’ Van Jefferson
The NFL’s unsung heroes in the 2022 season: 1 overlooked/surprise contributor from every NFC team (nfl.com)
“Injuries have decimated the Rams, reducing their chances of defending their Super Bowl LVI title in 2022. With Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson down at various points in the season, Ben Skowronek and Jefferson (who missed the first game of the season with a knee injury of his own) were ultimately left as Los Angeles’ top options at receiver. Jefferson capitalized, starting in every game from Weeks 13 through 18 and consistently producing at a respectable level, especially considering how insufficient the Rams offense was in the final months of the season. Jefferson’s numbers didn’t come close to his career-best ratings of 2021, but any time the person playing Rams quarterback (Baker Mayfield being the last of injured starter Matthew Stafford’s backup) needed a receiver to aim, Jefferson usually came by.”
Unsung hero of Rams? WR Van Jefferson ‘Proving It’ (fannation/ramdigest)
“A highlight for Jefferson came in the Rams’ prime-time win over the Las Vegas Raiders, in which the receiver snagged Baker Mayfield’s 23-yard pass for the game-winning touchdown with just 0:10 seconds left. to play. It was Jefferson’s first career winning match.
“You just want to go out and be your best self,” Jefferson told reporters. “Whether it’s to show the coaches or just prove it to yourself. Just go out there and prove me right. Just know that I can go out there and play and I can do the things that I can do. »
To add to the “unsung hero” storyline, Jefferson had knee surgery that sidelined him for the first seven weeks. Jefferson and Stafford played just 2.5 games together before the receiver had to overcome chemistry with three different quarterbacks in the remaining seven games of the season.
The Rams fell well short of back-to-back Super Bowl goals, missing out on the playoffs altogether.
Los Angeles will watch the Super Bowl from home on Sunday, February 12.
The Kansas City Chiefs (1.5 point underdogs) will try to topple the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Arizona to become Super Bowl LVII champions.
Continuing the free agent spotlight series with a look at John Wolford and Bryce Perkins, QBs who know the Rams’ offensive system well and gained valuable regular season experience in 2022: https://t.co/YKed0GF5Fm
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) January 31, 2023
The Rams are currently $14 million past the 2023 salary cap (ramswire)
“The NFL informed clubs on Monday that the salary cap for 2023 will be $224.8 million, up from $208.2 million in 2022. That’s a good jump but the Rams are still above the cap.
According to Over The Cap, the Rams are currently $14.19 million over the salary cap. It’s one of 14 teams that have surpassed the milestone, with the Saints in the worst shape; they exceed $58.6 million, slightly more than the Bucs ($55 million). No other team has more than $24 million in the red.
All teams must be under the cap when the league’s new year begins on March 15, so the Rams have some work to do. They can easily free up space by restructuring Aaron Donald’s contract, which alone would free up $20.5 million. The problem is, that would add to his cap reached in 2024, so it only postpones it for a year.
NFL Offseason 2023: Important dates for the Rams to know (ramswire)
“Looking forward, here’s a list of important dates on the Rams’ offseason schedule, with more to come this summer. Foremost are the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, with an agency free and the draft just around the corner.
February 2: East-West Shrine Bowl February 4: Senior Bowl February 21-March 7: Window for teams to use franchise/transition tag February 28-March 6: NFL Scouting Combine March 7: Pro days begin on March 7-April 19: Potential prospects can visit teams March 13-15: Free agency legal tampering period March 15: Start of new league year and free agency April 17: All teams can begin off-season training programs April 21: Deadline for RFAs to sign offer sheets April 27-29: 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City May 1: Deadline for teams to exercise 5th options year May 5-8 or May 12-15: rookie minicamps »
Rams 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Filling Multiple Needs Positions (ramswire)
“After finishing with a 5-12 record this season, the Rams are expected to make their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft at the No. 36 pick (assuming they don’t trade or return). In total, Los Angeles should have 10 total selections in this year’s draft once the offsetting picks are handed out.
With the 2023 NFL Draft just months away, here’s a seven-round mock draft for the Rams, courtesy of Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator.
Round 2, Pick 36: Nolan Smith (Edge, Georgia)
Numerous mock drafts this offseason have seen the Rams take Nolan Smith with the 36th overall pick and they would be wise to take the Georgia rusher if he is available. Pass-rush production was a major concern for the off-the-edge Rams this season following the departure of Von Miller.
Although some consider him undersized and his lack of sack production, Smith can fold at an elite level and has a ton of upside as a top rusher. Bringing in Smith and adding a veteran point this offseason could help the Rams generate more pressure in 2023.”
Bachelor Alum Hannah Ann Sluss and LA Rams Running Back Jake Funk Are Engaged (yahoo! entertainment)
“Bachelor graduate Hannah Ann Sluss and LA Rams running back Jake Funk are engaged
Peter Weber’s ex Hannah Ann Sluss and her NFL player boyfriend Jake Funk are engaged!
The former Bachelor contestant shared footage in a cute TikTok video of a romantic dinner she shared on the beach with her beau. Hannah Ann turned to an image projected onto a rock formation that read, “She said yes!” She then revealed the beautiful diamond ring on her left hand.
“The surprise at the end [of their dinner] he had for me,” the Knoxville native captioned the video. Good dessert, Jacques!
Us Weekly has the full scoop on the couple, who started seeing each other in November 2021. They went public with their relationship the following February, during Super Bowl LVI. When Jake’s team, the Los Angeles Rams, won the game, Hannah Ann was at his side. The duo celebrated with a trip to Cabo San Lucas.