IRVINE, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams open 2023 NFL training camp Wednesday at the University of California-Irvine. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Who can help Aaron Donald rush the passer?
Donald’s unmatched mix of talent, football knowledge and positional flexibility has given the Rams an edge in sacking the quarterback for the better part of a decade. But he was limited to 11 games last season because of a high ankle sprain, and the defense plummeted into a tie for 21st in sacks after finishing third during the 2021 campaign that ended with Donald raising the Lombardi Trophy.
The group around him this season is completely overhauled, including two third-round draft picks in outside linebacker Byron Young and defensive tackle Kobie Turner. How quickly Young and Turner adjust to the NFL will determine just how disruptive the Rams can be this season and whether they might be able to bridge the gap to whenever Donald, one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game, moves on.
Player with the most to prove: Joe Noteboom, LT
The Rams gambled that Noteboom would be able to replace Andrew Whitworth by signing him to a three-year, $40 million contract in March 2022. However, Noteboom played in six games before tearing his Achilles tendon on October 16 against Carolina, and it has been a slow and steady recovery for the 28-year-old.
Considering how injuries on the offensive line played a major role in the Rams’ losing record, having a healthy Noteboom would provide much-needed versatility with his experience as a swing tackle. Noteboom could also be used at guard, and the decision to restructure his contract in March instead of cutting or trading him indicates the Rams still see him as a potential contributor.
Training camp is a success if ... there are tough decisions on cut-down day
The influx of rookies set to take part in training camp, which includes 14 draft picks and more than 20 undrafted free agents, underscores how dramatically the Rams have reshaped their roster this offseason. Ideally, all of these newcomers are battling for roster spots after strong performances in workouts and preseason games.
No one is expecting much this season, but this group needs to become the foundation for a future when they have their first-round pick and plenty of salary cap space to work with. Since cornerback Jalen Ramsey and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd are no longer around, the Rams would be particularly thrilled to find a potential star or two on defense to help out Donald.
Fiercest fantasy-relevant battle: Running back
Cam Akers arrives as the presumptive starter, but his first three seasons with the Rams have been characterized by injuries, inconsistency and irregularities. While Akers did close out last season with three straight 100-yard games, it is entirely possible that second-year rusher Kyren Williams or rookie Zach Evans ends up atop the depth chart. Williams should have a nice path to playing on passing downs, which would make him an intriguing depth option in formats that reward receptions. Evans has plenty of talent, but his college career at TCU and Mississippi was often interrupted by physical ailments.
Camp prediction: Matthew Stafford returns to form
As long as the offensive line comes together, there is no reason for the Rams passing offense and its quarterback not to rebound this season. Stafford is finally over the elbow injury that dates back to the middle of his first season with the Rams in 2021. He’ll have a healthy Cooper Kupp to throw to, with Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek and intriguing rookie Puka Nacua filling out the depth chart.
And it’s not like coach Sean McVay forgot how to scheme up offense. A 10th season with at least 4,000 yards passing won’t seem unreasonable after Stafford airs out a few deep balls in the Orange County sunshine.