The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up the preseason on Saturday and will not have the difficult decisions that come with roster cutdowns. This is one of the more competitive rosters in recent memory, meaning that some of those decisions will be more difficult than in past years. Here is my final Rams 53-man roster prediction which also includes the practice squad.
Quarterback (3): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett
It’s certainly possible that the Rams could cut Stetson Bennett and keep just two quarterbacks. At the same time, Bennett has shown improvement all summer, which included both preseason games that he played. While Matthew Stafford’s back is progressing positively, it also makes sense to keep a third quarterback.
Running Back (3): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
The Rams are three deep at the running back position. With Williams, Corum, and Hunter in the mix, they may opt to go lighter here to help another position. Cody Schrader did well in the preseason opener, but averaged 1.4 yards per carry against the Browns and 3.7 yards per carry the week prior against the Chargers. Williams, Corum, and Hunter should be enough at running back given the quality of depth.
Wide Receiver (6): Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith
An argument could be made for Brennan Presley to make the roster over Mumpfield. However, Mumpfield has been impressing the coaching staff throughout OTAs and training camp. Mumpfield is simply the perfect Rams wide receiver and will be someone good to have as depth. Xavier Smith was the best wide receiver on the team in the preseason. He should make it and continue his role as the team’s punt returner on special teams.
Tight End (4): Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen
The tight end position may be one of the easiest on the roster to predict. These are the top four and it would be a major surprise if the Rams cut someone like Davis Allen. With a potential emphasis on 12 personnel this year, the Rams will need tight end depth.
Offensive Line (9): DJ Humphries, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, David Quessenberry, Beaux Limmer, Dylan McMahon, Warren McClendon
Note: LT Alaric Jackson begins the season on the reserved/PUP list with a designation to return
There are still some major questions when it comes to left tackle Alaric Jackson. While he may be heading in the right direction, he still hasn’t practiced. The Rams may start him on injured reserve and give him the first four weeks to get right as he manages blood clots. With that being the case, the Rams will prioritize experience in Humphries and Quessenberry. Dylan McMahon also seems to be someone that the Rams value as he didn’t play a single snap in the preseason.
Linebacker (5): Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Troy Reeder, Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac
Some may not like to see Troy Reeder here, but it’s clear that the Rams value his experience, especially as depth. Meanwhile, Shaun Dolac has made a case to make the roster and made it very difficult to warrant cutting him and trying to get him on the practice squad. It may come as a surprise, but the Rams keep five linebackers.
EDGE (5): Jared Verse, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson
A case can be made that the Rams only keep four edge rushers, but that would leave them very thin at the position. Hampton didn’t play in the preseason finale and Jackson adds some versatility.
Defensive Line (5): Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Ty Davis, Ty Hamilton
Only keeping five defensive linemen would be a small risk, but the Rams would have some good variety here. Turner and Fiske provide good pass rush options while Ford, Davis, and Hamilton are the group’s run-stoppers. The Rams could opt to keep Murchison here, but the Rams seem to like what they have out of Davis this offseason.
Cornerback (6): Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace, AJ Green
This may seem like a lot at cornerback. Still, Wallace played in 17 games last year and adds some versatility as someone who can play the STAR role on defense. The Rams have a lot of young depth at the cornerback position, but AJ Green may have been the most impressive of the bunch. Green earned a spot on the roster.
Safety (4): Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough
The Rams have never kept fewer than five safeties on the roster in the Sean McVay era. They could opt to keep Tanner Ingle or Nate Valcarcel and it shouldn’t surprise anybody. However, given Wallace’s versatility, that may provide the flexibility to only keep four safeties.
Special Teams (3): Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward
Much like tight end, this is one of the easiest positions to predict.
- RB Cody Schrader
- WR Brennan Presley
- WR Tru Edwards
- OL KT Leveston
- OL Justin Dedich
- OL Wyatt Bowles
- LB Elias Neal
- LB Tony Fields
- EDGE Jamil Muhammad
- CB Charles Woods
- CB Cam Lampkin
- S Tanner Ingle
- S Nate Valcarcel
- DL Jack Heflin
- DL Larrell Murchison
- DL Desjuan Johnson
Note: Willie Lampkin is placed on Injured Reserve
This would be a solid practice squad for the Rams if all of these players clear waivers. Valcarcel, Woods, Presley, and Schrader will be risks to be claimed. However, most should clear waivers and end up on the Rams’ practice squad.
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