3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Rams' season
Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.
Jared Goff
Goff's progression - or lack thereof - will likely determine the Rams' fate in 2017. Selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, he failed to live up to expectations during his rookie year, but the direction of the franchise is quite literally in his hands as he enters his second campaign. After completing 54.6 percent of his passes last season, Goff will need to take major steps in his development or the Rams may have to write him off.
Los Angeles drafted tight end Gerald Everett and wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the second and third rounds, respectively, in order to aid Goff during his sophomore season. However, the Rams still lack real firepower, and it's now on Goff to elevate his supporting cast, or run the risk of his pro career quickly closing in on him.
Aaron Donald
Donald is the NFL's preeminent defensive tackle and will be counted upon to lead the defense once again. A disruptive force capable of taking over games by himself, he'll have the thankless task of elevating a unit that finished 23rd in scoring defense last year.
It's entirely possible that Donald skips training camp in search of a lucrative contract extension, a disastrous proposition for a top-heavy Rams defense. Assuming he suits up for Week 1, however, the first-team All-Pro will resume his responsibility of operating as a one-man wrecking ball. Anything less from Donald and the defense will capitulate.
Todd Gurley
Gurley's brutal sophomore campaign was among the more shocking storylines of 2016 after his excellent rookie year. So, which Gurley will show up this season - the virtuoso talent who took the league by storm, or the back who looked completely lost on the field last fall?
Gurley will turn 23 in August, and it's far too early to predict he'll flame out again this year, as he still boasts outstanding acceleration, speed, and field vision. If he can regain his rookie form, the Rams could surprise in the NFC West; if he falters again, the team will likely struggle to stay in playoff contention. He's definitely a player worth monitoring early on.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)