A way-too-early Rams 53-man roster prediction

The Los Angeles Rams are set to begin OTAs and offseason workouts on May 27. Following the NFL Draft and signing the undrafted free agent class, the offseason roster is pretty much set. They currently have 87 players with the ability to bring in three more if needed and then get that down to 53 by the end of the preseason. Let’s take a way-too-early look at what that 53-man roster might look like and where the top position battles will be.

Quarterback (2): Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo

There is always the chance that the Rams opt to keep Stetson Bennett. However, Bennett is in year three and his second full season with the team. At this point, it would have been expected for Bennett to solidify himself as the long-term backup. Instead, the Rams brought back Jimmy Garoppolo. The Rams will likely be looking to bring in Matthew Stafford’s heir next offseason.

Running Back (4): Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, Ronnie Rivers

This seems like the top four that will end up making the roster. While the Rams drafted Hunter, he isn’t going to replace Williams or Corum this year. The Rams also seem to really like what they have in Ronnie Rivers. It’s hard to see an outsider like Jordan Waters breaking into this group.

Wide Receiver (5): Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield

There are some offseasons where it’s debated whether or not the Rams will keep six or seven wide receivers. This isn’t as deep of a wide receiver group and the question will likely be whether or not they keep five or six. Given that the Rams could move to more 12 personnel, the need for six wide receivers isn’t necessarily there. The Rams opt for less depth at wide receiver to prioritize depth elsewhere.

Tight End (4): Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen

It’s possible that the Rams could keep a fifth tight end here and roster an undrafted free agent such as Antony Torres. However, the most likely scenario seems to be that they keep four and stash one on the practice squad. This is a very solid four.

Offensive Line (10): Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, Warren McClendon, Beaux Limmer, KT Leveston, Dylan McMahon, Trey Wedig

Figuring out the Rams offensive line is difficult simply because there is a lack of depth. It’s going to be difficult to determine who separates themselves from the pack and what the team values in terms of versatility. McClendon should slot into a swing tackle role with Limmer and McMahon providing interior depth. Levetson was drafted last year and provides depth on the left side. The final spot could come down to AJ Arcuri and Trey Wedig. Initially, I’ll give Wedig the slight edge.

Linebacker (4): Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Chris Paul Jr., Troy Reeder

Not many are going to like seeing Troy Reeder here, but he’s the most experienced player in this group. Even if he’s only depth, the Rams may look to roster him. There’s a reason he was brought back after signing Landman. Shaun Dolac is an undrafted free agent to watch, but he may start on the practice squad.

EDGE (5): Jared Verse, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson

The Rams drafting an edge rusher in the third round suggests they may lack full confidence in Nick Hampton and Brennan Jackson. Both players haven’t seen a ton of playing time. It’s possible that Hampton becomes a surprise cut in favor of Keir Thomas. The backend of the edge rusher position group is going to be one to watch.

Cornerback (5): Ahkello Witherspoon, Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Emmanuel Forbes

Ideally, the Rams are able to trade for Jalen Ramsey after June 1 and add a trusted veteran in this room. While Kendrick has experience and Forbes brings upside, it’s hard to trust this position group.

Safety (5): Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Kam Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel

Chris Shula likes using his safeties as seen last year. The Rams defense played a lot of three safety packages last season which will require them to keep some depth here. Added to this group is Nate Valcarcel who had a 2.2 percent missed tackle rate last season at Northern Illinois to go with 10 pass breakups.

Defensive Line (6): Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Tyler Davis, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton

There shouldn’t be any surprises here. The Rams could opt to keep Desjuan Johnson as a seventh and Da’Jon Terry is a name to watch as well. Still, this looks to be a pretty solid group of six.

Special Teams (3): Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans, Alex Ward

Nothing to discuss here. The Rams didn’t bring in another kicker, punter, or long snapper. There seems to be a lot of confidence in this group.