The Los Angeles Rams general manager, Les Snead, has guided the franchise back to championship status after their 2021 title run, using many of the same strategies that helped the franchise win its last Super Bowl.
The Rams won Super Bowl LVI with a regular-season record of 12-5, and since then, the Rams have been rebuilding, steadily improving year after year.
Les Snead’s Championship Design Is Like Traveling Through a Time Machine
Last season, the team finished 12-5 and was one play away from winning the NFC and playing in the Super Bowl. This season, the team once again has several premier players along with the same quarterback and head coach, illustrating their championship design.
Whether it’s 2021 or 2026, the Rams strategically designed a remarkably similar championship-caliber roster. Based on Snead’s design, the Rams appear well-positioned to compete for another championship this season. As Super Bowl favorites, the Rams are the best team in the league.
Snead’s Championship Design
As general manager for one of the best front offices in the NFL, Snead is a master at designing rosters.
In 2021, the Rams’ roster was loaded with superstars. Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the team also featured stars such as Cooper Kupp, Andrew Whitworth, Leonard Floyd, Jalen Ramsey, and Aaron Donald.
The roster was loaded with premier talent, with every unit featuring at least one player who was Hall of Fame worthy, and this season’s roster is built the same.
Every unit has talent from the quarterback to the safety position. Snead’s design follows the same formula – a star quarterback, at least one dominant receiver, a strong offensive line, a dominant pass rusher, and one elite cornerback.
Players like Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Myles Garrett, and Trent McDuffie are the key pieces in Snead’s design. Snead typically builds through the draft until the Super Bowl window opens.
Once the Super Bowl window opens, Snead adopts the aggressive philosophy that became known as “F them picks.” After the Rams’ 2021 title run, Snead embraced the slogan, wearing a shirt with the quote shown across his face.
Since then, he has steadily added high-caliber talent through both the draft and the trade market, creating what may be the most talented roster in the NFL.
Sean McVay’s Roster Input
Another key element of Snead’s championship design is his close collaboration with head coach Sean McVay. McVay has been heavily involved in the Rams’ roster construction since becoming the head coach in 2017.
McVay’s voice is highly valued, and Snead works with him to create the best rosters possible. McVay was one of the leading voices behind the Jared Goff – Matthew Stafford trade, a move that became one of the main reasons the Rams won Super Bowl LVI.
McVay’s influence remains just as instrumental today as when he became head coach. Although he later cleared the air, McVay’s initial reaction to the Ty Simpson pick sparked speculation that he was dissatisfied with the pick.
The Rams spent their 13th overall pick in this year’s draft on Stafford’s successor, but with their Super Bowl window open, many speculated that it was a waste.
After the addition of Myles Garrett, the Simpson selection makes far more sense and demonstrates the strong working relationship between McVay and Snead. Draft and develop talent now, then use future draft picks to acquire superstar players. While they may not agree with each other, they trust each other.
While McVay lets Snead know his preferences, he trusts Snead to guide the franchise in the right direction. Several trades, including two blockbuster trades of Garrett and McDuffie this offseason, help validate the Simpson selection.
The chemistry between McVay and Snead is undeniable and when they work together, they have proven that they can win the Super Bowl.
