LA Rams rookies training camp special teams path to roster spot

LA Rams rookies in training camp must excel at special teams to make the roster

The LA Rams emerged from the 2020 NFL Draft with 9 rookies. The Rams then signed 22 players after the 2020 NFL Draft. 31 new players added to bolster the team’s roster to 90.   But in a unique twist, the LA Rams were forced to reduce the roster to 80 players. That was a 10 player roster reduction – sight unseen.  Each NFL team has now done so.  The NFL canceled all preseason games and compressed the offseason into the least possible amount of time necessary to put together a 53-man roster.

Time, opportunity, effort. For many NFL rookies hoping to land an NFL career, that hope is fading fast.  The way is closed for rookies to make the Rams roster by turning some heads in a surprise showing in preseason games. And only the top round draft picks get reps with the 1’s or the 2’s.  So many of the players must lobby hard for a special teams’ role.

“Special” special teams play

Of course, the ability to cover and tackle on the kickoff or punt is no guarantee to make a roster. NFL teams have abandoned much of the specialization and now leans to players who serve in multiple roles.  Return specialists are phasing out, and receivers who can return kickoffs and punts are on the rise.

That’s great on paper, but everyone knows that it’s a catch-22.

Excelling on special teams gives players a shot to make the roster. But what a player shows in drills, in pads, in positional exercises dictates who gets a shot to stick onto the roster. Eventually, it’s the 53-man roster that will fill up the spots on special teams.  So if rookies need to excel at special teams, but special teams will be 53-man roster players, what opportunities truly exist for players this year?

Expanded practice squad

The LA Rams practice squad increased from 10 to 16 players this year. In the past, the team used the practice squad to carry developmental players.  In 2020, the  Rams will likely use the extra slots to retain talented players who show promise. The team will also try to buffer potential 2021 free agents by carrying extra players in the practice squad.  That means the Rams will go heavy with defensive backs, wide receivers, and offensive linemen.

Will the Rams end up with the most talented 53 players on the roster? Perhaps not. But the Rams are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to that goal.  They must balance the need for talent with the need for players in their respective positions.  And the team can adjust their practice squad and active roster throughout the season.  Getting there is the hard part.