Who is favored to make the Rams 53-man roster at the end of training camp?
The Los Angeles Rams have wrapped up training camp and the focus now will be getting ready for Week 1. This week, the Rams will have a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday before the two teams play on Saturday. With the preseason about to get started, back-of-the-roster players will have an opportunity to stand out in front of the coaching staff. Here is my post-training camp Rams 53-man roster.
Quarterback (3): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett
This is my first roster prediction this season that includes quarterback Stetson Bennett. While he still needs to show it during the preseason, Bennett has garnered plenty of praise from the media and coaching staff to earn a place on the 53-man roster. This was a big year for Bennett and so far he has risen to the occasion.
Running Back (4): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, Ronnie Rivers
There isn’t a lot of competition at the back of the Rams running back depth chart. While there will be competition at the top between Corum and Hunter, these are going to be the four that make the final roster.
Wide Receiver (5): Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield
It would seem odd for the Rams not to keep six wide receivers and Britain Covey could make it as a kick returner. However, as seen last year with Boston Scott, the Rams aren’t going to keep a player around simply because they return kicks. Jarquez Hunter has some experience as a kick returner and the Rams could use Atwell on the punt unit. Xavier Smith is another name to watch here.
Tight End (4): Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen
The Rams tight ends seem set with these four. They will likely keep a fifth or sixth on the practice squad, but the team can feel good about this group.
Offensive Line (9): Alaric Jackson, DJ Humphries, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, KT Leveston, Beaux Limmer, Warren McClendon
What the Rams do on the offensive line is going to be extremely interesting. That’s especially the case considering Alaric Jackson’s status. There isn’t a guarantee that he is ready for Week 1, but the Rams also haven’t placed him on the PUP list. The Rams may wait and there is a clearer idea on when Jackson can return.
Linebacker (4): Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac
This is another position group that’s going to be hard to break into from anyone on the outside looking in. It’s possible that the Rams go with experience and Troy Reeder finds a spot on the roster. However, Dolac has impressed during training camp and Nate Landman has been a standout.
EDGE (5): Jared Verse, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson
Players like Nick Hampton and Brennan Jackson will have a lot to prove in the preseason, but it’s unlikely that their roster spots are in question. The Rams simply don’t have the depth behind them. Hampton and Jackson will be competing with each other for playing time.
Cornerback (4): Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes
Four cornerbacks does not seem like a lot, but defensive coordinator Chris Shula seems to value his safeties. The Rams can keep a few cornerbacks on the practice squad while players like Quentin Lake play primarily in the slot.
Safety (5): Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel
There will be a lot of competition at safety on the back end of the depth chart. Nate Valcarcel is someone that I expect to show out during the preseason, but Tanner Ingle is another name to watch. Between Lake, Curl, Kinchens, and McCollough the Rams will have an experienced top four.
Defensive Line (7): Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton, Desjuan Johnson
It’s possible that the Rams could move on from Larrell Murchison, especially with Tyler Davis having a strong camp. That would allow them to keep more players at other positions. Still, this is a good variety of depth when it comes to run-stoppers and pass rushers.
Special Teams (3): Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward
There’s nothing to see here.