5 surprises from the Rams first official depth chartSep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald (25) runs on the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
By: Jeff Smith | 30 minutes ago
The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for their 2016 preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, and in the process have released their first depth chart for the season, per the team’s official website. While there were many things that were straight forward and expected, there were also a few surprises as well.
One thing that won’t qualify as a surprise, but is still worth talking about, is Case Keenum getting the nod as the No. 1 quarterback over rookie Jared Goff. We already knew it happened, but we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t at least mention the heated training camp battle.
With that said, let’s check out a few of the surprises from the first depth chart released.
Surprises
Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas’ placement
Jun 16, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a pass at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt listed as the No. 1 wide receivers, then Bradley Marquez and Brian Quick listed with the second team, that left rookies Cooper and Thomas with the third team. It’s a bit surprising, largely due to the fact that many believed that Cooper could be the starting slot receiver in 2016.
While it’s still possible, Cooper obviously still has some work to do. As for Thomas, he’ll still be a name to watch, but it looks like he has his work cut out for him if he wants to supplant either Marquez or Quick.
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Nelson Spruce, Duke Williams, Paul McRoberts and Marquez North get little love
Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Nelson Spruce (86) at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For all of those fans of the four names listed above, it’s not looking good currently. We’ve talked about all four of these names, but only Spruce saw his name listed, and it was under the other category, not even with the third team. If any of these UDFAs want to make the 53-man roster for the Rams, they have an uphill climb in front of them.
Cory Harkey listed above Tyler Higbee
Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While the depth chart features two starting tight ends, Harkey being listed above Higbee is a bit surprising. Higbee is listed on the second team with Justice Cunningham, but if the rookie is able to prove that he can be a strong pass-catching option this season, there’s a good chance he’ll be able to surpass Harkey.
Higbee is a name to watch, but for now, we’re surprised that he hasn’t made it onto the first unit.
Lamarcus Joyner grabs the No. 2 CB role
Oct 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) can't make catch as he is defended by St. Louis Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
There’s been much speculation about which cornerback will start alongside Trumaine Johnson, but currently, the man who’s grabbed the role is Joyner. The 5-foot-8, 194-pound cornerback was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, and apparently, he’s beginning to live up to that hype. In 16 games last season, Joyner totaled 72 combined tackles, six passes defensed and two sacks.
T.J. McDonald listed with the third team
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive back T.J. McDonald (25) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
As for the safety position, McDonald’s off-field issues have been well documented, and apparently, it’s impacted his current standing on the depth chart. McDonald is listed on the third team, behind Maurice Alexander and Christian Bryant at strong safety. There’s a good chance this one changes before the season begins.
