Let’s look at how the Rams roster could shake out after OTAs
The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up Organized Team Activities last week and will now head into mandatory minicamp. These are the final practices before the team breaks for the summer and reconvenes for training camp. Here’s a post-OTAs prediction of the 53-man roster.
Quarterback (2): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo
It’s hard to see Stetson Bennett make the final 53-man roster unless he really impresses in training camp and the preseason. Heading into year three, it would have been expected for him to be the team’s backup at this point as a former fourth-round pick. The Rams should still be able to keep Bennett on the practice squad.
Running Back (4): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, Ronnie Rivers
This seems like a very solid group of four. The big question here will be whether or not Williams gets a contract extension between mandatory mini-camp and training camp. Either way, the Rams have a lot of trust in Williams and will expect Corum to take the next step. Hunter is a player the team was high on during the draft. While Rivers is at the end of the depth chart, he’s been around for a while and is someone that the team likes to have around.
Wide Receiver (6): Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Britain Covey
The Rams’ approach at wide receiver will be one of the more interesting position battles this offseason. It’s very possible that they keep six as they have in the past. That sixth spot could go to Britain Covey or Xavier Smith as a returner. At the same time, it’s easy to see them only keeping five. That’s especially the case if the Rams are planning to move to more 12 personnel in the offense. Undrafted free agent Mario Williams could also push for a roster spot. While the top of the position group is fairly solid, the bottom of the depth chart is an underrated camp battle.
Tight End (4): Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen
Much like at running back, it’s hard to see anybody else breaking into this group of four. Even if the Rams lean into more 12 personnel, keeping five tight ends is unlikely. Either Anthony Torres or Malik Redman should make the practice squad.
Offensive Line (9): DJ Humphries, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, David Quessenberry, KT Leveston, Beaux Limmer, Warren McClendon
Note: This is projecting OT Alaric Jackson to begin season on the PUP list as he recovers from blood clots.
Alaric Jackson will likely start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from blood clots. If he remains there heading into the season, he would miss the first four games. At this point, that seems like the most likely scenario. It’s possible that the Rams keep Willie Lampkin, but I’ll hold off until the pads come on given that he is a size anomaly. This should give the Rams solid depth heading into the season with Lampkin, Trey Wedig, AJ Arcuri, and Dylan McMahon as practice squad candidates.
Linebacker (4): Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac
The final spot at linebacker is going to come down to Dolac or Troy Reeder. Reeder is the most experienced in the group, but was not given any guaranteed money. On the other hand, Dolac was given guaranteed money as an undrafted free agent. Reeder may ultimately win the job, but for now, the edge goes to Dolac.
EDGE (5): Jared Verse, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson
This is another position group in which this feels like a very solid group of five. Hampton is a potential surprise cut candidate. He hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time in his first two seasons as he’s also dealt with injuries. However, Hampton is an experienced player that will be important to keep. The competition between Hampton, Stewart, and Jackson will be a key storyline in camp.
Cornerback (4): Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes
Last week, the Rams cut Derion Kendrick with the emergence of Emmanuel Forbes who has been a standout in OTAs. It could also hint that the Rams are exploring a trade for Jalen Ramsey. If not, Charles Woods is a name to watch here. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula leaned heavily on safeties last season. The Rams may be able to get away with just four cornerbacks.
Safety (5): Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel
Shula was extremely creative with the usage of the Rams safeties last season, playing a lot of three-deep and adding another safety in dime packages. That likely means keeping added depth at the position. The Rams tend to keep one undrafted free agent at the position every year. This season, that player could be Nate Valcarcel.
Defensive Line (7): Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton, Desjuan Johnson
Heading into the 2025 season, the identity of the Rams defense will be their young defensive line. Desjuan Johnson may be among the final players to earn a roster spot, but he brings depth and pass rush ability. The defensive line is arguably the best position on the Rams roster.
Special Teams (3): Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward
An argument can be made that the Rams should have brought in some competition for Josh Karty given some of his struggles last season. However, he improved late in the year. There is a lot of confidence in this group and that won’t change going into training camp.