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The Rams closed out the 1990s with a victory in Super Bowl 34.

The next decade didn’t go so well. Here are their win-loss records from 2000 thru 2009. Plus a look at previous draft classes and prospects for 2025.

Win-Loss Records:

2000: 10-6—Lost in playoffs to Saints.
2001: 14-2—Lost Super 36 to Patriots.
2002: 7-9
2003: 12-4—Lost in playoffs to Panthers.
2004: 8-8—Lost second round to Falcons
2005: 6-10
2006: 8-8
2007: 3-13
2008: 2-14
2009: 1-15

What was the key to this decline?

From 2000 through 2009, the Rams drafted 86 players. Only eight of them became contributors in the NFL: Ryan Pickett, Adam Archuleta, Steven Jackson, Richie Incognito, O.J. Atogwe, Ronald Bartell, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chris Long, James Laurenaitis…

Of these eight, only Steven Jackson made the Pro Bowl while with the Rams. That’s one out of 86.

(Incognito played in four, but after he moved on to Miami and Buffalo.)

That is how you kill a franchise.

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Athlon Sports released a 3-round mock draft on Thursday.

This is who they project the Rams taking.

#26—Jaxon Dart, QB—Ole Miss.
Notes: 6-2/220…Dart has started 41 games and played in 45. Accurate passer, but issues with the deep ball raise questions about arm strength…Extremely mobile.

#90—Anthony Belton, T—North Carolina St.
Note: 6-5/345…A left tackle exclusively. His stock in the last month has risen from the sixth to the third round. Aggressive, with the agility better fitting of a right tackle.

#100—Gunnar Helm, TE—Texas
Note: 6-5/250…Ranked as the third-best TE available in the draft. Last season was his first as a starter, catching 60-passes for seven touchdowns. Compares to former Baltimore Raven standout, Todd Heap. An accomplished blocker.

The Rams are playing the Packers in the NFC title game…and the bad mojo needs to be kept from the RamCave in order for them to win. (Click pic for link)

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Byrnes Breakdown
(Info accumulated by Tim Byrnes)
WR: Matthew Golden, Texas
Notes: 6/195…exceptional athlete, 4.38 40 time.

College Stats:
2022: 38-584yds—7-Tds
2023: 38-404yds—6-Tds
2024: 58-987yds—9-Tds

Fast on the field, he adjusts to under thrown passes with ease.
On film, he outruns Arch Manning’s throws and adjusts quickly.

He’s average as a blocker. Texas used him kind of like Tutu Atwell, and he separates quickly to stretch defenses. His intermediate routes, especially over the middle, are excellent.

He has smooth hands, and the ball is softly received.

Against top programs, he excelled:
Arizona State: 7-149yds-1T-d
Georgia: 8-162yds

I have him as the 4th best WR available and an outside shot at being chosen to wear horns.