Football is happening! LA Rams 53-man roster prediction

OFFENSE- continued (24)

Wide Receivers (6)
Starters: Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Josh Reynolds, Van Jefferson

Reserves: Brandon Polk, Easop Winston

Fighting for Practice Squad: Nsimba Webster, Greg Dortch, Trishton Jackson, Earnest Edwards, JJ Koski

The Rams can’t avoid starting their 1,000 yard tandem at wide receiver: Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Josh Reynolds slides into that third receiver slot, and will finally command some significant rotational snaps on offense.  While Van Jefferson will struggle to earn playing time, once he does the Rams will find it hard to take him off the field.

The Rams signed incredibly talented receivers after the draft, and they will compete viciously for backup spots.  Keep in mind that I expect Nsimba Webster and Greg Dortch as the primary return specialists, so I did not include them here. I went with Brandon Polk (due to Rams’ frequent contact leading up to draft) and Easop Winston (due to his playing so well for WSU’s tough head coach Mike Leach).  This competition will be a dogfight. One good or bad practice could be all it takes to win or lose a roster spot. Wow! Pressure cooker!

Tight Ends (3)

Starters: Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett

Reserves: Johnny Mundt

Fighting for Practice Squad: Brycen Hopkins

The Rams offense is eager to get two tight-ends back onto the football field and resume the dominating play of tight end Tyler Higbee.  He was on fire in December 2019, pulling in 522 yards receiving in the final five games. Of course, his teammate Gerald Everett would like some of that attention on offense, as he is fighting for his next NFL contract this year. While Johnny Mundt won’t earn his keep with his hands, he most certainly does with his versatility and blocking.

Mundt may take on the “fullback” role but do so from an upback spot. Look for him to be the lead blocker for the running backs on interior running plays, or to line up on the offensive line to slow down fast edge rushers. I like what Hopkins brings to the offense. I believe he slides into one of the four “protected” practice squad slots.