Rams 53-man roster projection: Post-minicamp edition
Cameron DaSilva
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their offseason workout program last week, concluding four weeks of practice in OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Jobs aren’t won or lost in these sessions, considering no one is wearing pads and hitting isn’t permitted, but it did give a brief look at some guys who have emerged as potential role players this season.
There’s still a long way to go until the roster is trimmed to its final 53-man state and much has yet to be determined, but the Rams look very strong on paper.
We’ll preview, predict and project the final 53-man roster during this lull in the offseason, sharing some insight on a handful of bubble players and who’s expected to start at a variety of positions.
Quarterback
Jared Goff, Sean Mannion
After adding Brandon Allen last September, the Rams carried three quarterbacks until he landed on IR. Depending on how Mannion performs in training camp and the preseason, it’s hard to see Los Angeles carrying more than two quarterbacks. It could be Allen over Mannion, but don’t expect to see three signal callers on the final roster.
Running back
Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, John Kelly
Gurley is the definition of a workhorse, so the Rams have little need for a deep running back group. Brown is a capable backup, while Kelly is electric and brings good receiving skills to the backfield. Justin Davis is really the only other player with a chance to make the team, but he’ll fall just short and land on the practice squad.
Wide receiver
Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas
You’d be hard-pressed to find a wide receiver group as set in stone as this one. The three starters are obvious locks, Reynolds has too much potential to part ways with and Cooper is the team’s primary return man. Additionally, the Rams simply don’t have any better options than Thomas, who has good speed.
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Tight end
Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Temarrick Hemingway
The Rams carried three tight ends last season with Derek Carrier being the third, but Hemingway will be TE3 this season. Carrier is in Oakland now and two tight ends simply aren’t enough. Hemingway can block and catch passes, giving the Rams three capable players at Sean McVay’s favorite position.
Offensive line
Andrew Whitworth, Rodger Saffold, John Sullivan, Jamon Brown, Rob Havenstein, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Jamil Demby
This group’s a little harder to whittle down than others. Demby might be the last guy to make the roster as he’ll battle Austin Blythe at guard. Noteboom will be the Rams’ swing tackle, which helps open a roster spot at another position. Allen will back up John Sullivan, as well.
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Defensive line
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, Michael Brockers, Tanzel Smart, Ethan Westbrooks, Dominique Easley, John Franklin-Myers, Sebastian Joseph-Day
There’s a lot of talent on the starting defensive line, but further down the depth chart, it gets a bit shaky. Smart struggled at nose tackle, Westbrooks has off-the-field issues and Easly isn’t the most durable player in the world. Hopefully Franklin-Myers and Joseph-Day can make an impact at defensive end and nose tackle, respectively, to provide some much-needed depth at those spots.
Outside linebacker
Samson Ebukam, Matt Longacre, Justin Lawler, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Trevon Young,
Ebukam and Longacre will most likely be the starters, but anything can happen with this group of edge rushers. Lawler has emerged as a strong option at Sam linebacker, while Okoronkwo is a perfect fit in Wade Phillips’ defense when he returns from injury. Young will have to beat out the likes of Ejuan Price and Brian Womac to hold down a roster spot.
Inside linebacker
Cory Littleton, Mark Barron, Micah Kiser, Ramik Wilson, Travin Howard
Another group with a lot of potential but very little experience, the inside linebackers will be a position to watch leading up to the regular season. The top four are near-locks to make the team, while Howard’s versatility as a hybrid safety-linebacker provides value. Tegray Scales is going to be a hard guy to leave off the roster, as will Bryce Hager.
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Cornerback
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Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Troy Hill, Sam Shields, Dominique Hatfield
Cornerback is the deepest and most talented position group on the roster, which means the Rams are going to have some difficult decisions to make when it comes to the 53-man squad. I was forced to leave Kevin Peterson, Taurean Nixon and Curtis Mikell off, all of whom could probably make another team’s final roster. Carrying six corners should be plenty, especially with Blake Countess’ versatility.
Safety
Lamarcus Joyner, John Johnson, Blake Countess, Steven Parker
From the deepest to the thinnest, the Rams have work to do at safety. Joyner and Johnson give Los Angeles an outstanding starting pair, but beyond that, there are major questions. Countess can play cornerback and Parker is a good special teams player, but will the undrafted rookie do enough to stave off Marqui Christian and Isaiah Johnson. That’s very possible.
Specialists
Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide
Nothing to see here. The same All-Pro unit Los Angeles had last season, plus Pharoh Cooper, who’s listed at wide receiver.
