Early projection of Rams' 53-man roster following 2021 NFL draft

Early projection of Rams' 53-man roster following 2021 NFL draft

Cameron DaSilva
May 10, 2021 8:14 am

With free agency and the 2021 NFL draft now in the rearview mirror, we have a clearer picture of what the Los Angeles Rams’ roster will look like this season. They don’t have to trim their roster until just before Week 1 in September, but we at least know which players are likely to make the team.

After adding nine players in the draft and another 10 as undrafted rookies, the Rams have a lot to sort through between now and cutdown day. Will all nine draftees make the team? Or will one or two of their late-round picks be left on the outside looking in?

We projected the Rams’ 53-man roster for 2021 coming out of the draft, and though it’s extremely early, it will give you a feel for the overall construction in L.A.’s squad.

Quarterback (2)

Matthew Stafford
John Wolford

There’s very little chance the Rams carry more than two quarterbacks this season. Yes, Matthew Stafford has missed time during his NFL career, but Wolford proved he’s a capable backup and the Rams are high on him.

They can try to stash Bryce Perkins on the practice squad again but don’t expect Devlin Hodges to make the 53-man roster. There’s little need for a third quarterback in Los Angeles.

Running back (4)

Cam Akers
Darrell Henderson
Xavier Jones
Jake Funk

The top two are locked in. Jones has a good chance to make the team, too, especially after Les Snead said the Rams almost went with him as their starter late last season when Henderson went down and Akers was banged up.

The toughest choice will be between Funk and Raymond Calais, who can both play special teams. I went with Funk, who was a seventh-round draft pick and could carve out a role in just about every phase of special teams, rather than just as a returner.

Wide receiver (6)

Robert Woods
Cooper Kupp
Van Jefferson
DeSean Jackson
Tutu Atwell
Ben Skowronek

The Rams are definitely going to carry at least the top five receivers, with a sixth being very likely. That final spot will come down to a few different players. Skowronek was a seventh-round pick this year and while he isn’t a lock to make the team, Snead and Sean McVay raved about his blocking and he brings great size at 6-foot-3.

I went with Skowronek over Trishton Jackson, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Rams did the opposite. Nsimba Webster and Jeremiah Haydel could also be in the mix for their special teams ability.

[theramswire.usatoday.com]