LA Rams 53-man Final roster predictions
By Bret Stuter
Special Teams – 2019 (4), 2020 (4) PS-1
The LA Rams special teams, while it encompasses the entire gamut of kicks, punts, coverage, and return roles on the team, special teams have typically taken on the limited numbers of roles unique to those units. That means that the team will typically carry a long snapper, punter, kicker, and perhaps a return specialist on the team’s special team category.
The LA Rams will finally have the answer over who will be the team’s kicker. Despite the late camp push from Austin MacGinnis, the Rams will likely go with Lirim Hajrullahu. Not only does he bring a history of kicking game-winners under pressure, but he is a solid punter as well.
53-man Roster: Long Snapper Jake McQuaide, Punter Johnny Hekker, KR/WR Nsimba Webster, K Lirim Hajrullahu
Practice squad: There is a chance that the Rams add a second K to the practice squad due to COVID-19. If so, it’s MacGinnis.
Bubble/cut: K Sam Sloman
Roster summary
There is always a chance that the Rams will favor a veteran over a drafted rookie. If that is the case, then drafted rookies like Brycen Hopkins, Tremayne Anchrum, and Clay Johnston may spend 2020 in large part on the practice squad. The toughest part for players, and perhaps some fans, is that period between the roster cuts and the practice squad signings.
This is the best estimate we have so far. Since this training camp has been so muddled with virtual information, almost no direct contact, and trickles about the players and team training camp performances, it’s a good place to start. And there is that expanded practice roster. The team will only need to reduce the 80 man roster to 69 (53 active plus 16 practice squad). The Rams can accomplish this by placing both A’Shawn Robinson and Travin Howard on injured reserve, plus nine cuts. What are your thoughts?