LA Rams practice squad has evolved

Current Players – Defensive backs

DB Donte Deayon (veteran)
S Jake Gervase (veteran)
Tyrique McGhee (Rookie/Reserve Suspended)

The LA Rams promoted both defensive back Juju Hughes and J.R. Reed to the 53-man roster.  Meanwhile, the Rams wisely re-signed veteran safety Jake Gervase to the practice squad.  The Rams are looking at the risk of losing some key defensive backs to free agency in the offseason. With few defensive backs on the practice squad, it’s very likely that the Rams target defensive backs in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Linebackers

LB Derrick Moncrief (new – FA)
LB Christian Rozeboom (rookie)
OLB Jachai Polite (veteran) (PS- COVID 19 IR)

Despite a defense with just two healthy inside linebackers on a 3-4 defense, the Rams have whittled down the practice squad to just two interior linebackers.  A positive development for the Rams was retaining edge rusher Jachai Polite. Polite showed flashes of promise during his time on the defense.

Offense

QB Bryce Perkins (rookie)
TE Kendall Blanton (veteran)
WR J.J. Koski (rookie)
G Jamil Demby (veteran}

With 13 games remaining in the season, the LA Rams have waived two offensive linemen from the practice squad. That places the burden of the teams blocking upon the active roster this year.  But the Rams face losing starting center Austin Blythe in the 2021 NFL Free Agency market.

The Rams have some developable players on their practice squad. But this is not the typical Rams practice squad roster, as it’s not a typical NFL season.  The Rams are very good at roster strategy, adding players to the practice squad to sign to the active roster later in the season.  The greatest question is whether the 2020 season has disrupted the Rams’ ability to keep talented players flowing through their pipeline.