Do LA Rams have spots for 7 2020 practice squad players?

Key players

While the NFL is focused upon the size of new rookie Tutu Atwell, defensive back Donte Deayon is happy for somebody else grabbing the spotlight. You see, he is 5-foot-9 and 159-pounds, and has been fighting the ‘too small to hold up’ moniker since arriving in the NFL in 2016, signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 2016.

Why he could see a larger role in 2021:

Donte Deayon was impressive in training camp from 2020. And it seemed that he was just on the fence of making the 53-man roster. That didn’t happen then, but most certainly could now. The loss of DB Troy Hill was expected, just as the likelihood of Deayon competing for a larger role in the defense this year is expected. The release of teammate Tyrique McGhee has improved Deayon’s chances significantly. The Rams have six cornerbacks on the roster, and will likely carry at least four into the season. With the addition of Robert Rochell, the last slot is likely a foot race between David Long Jr. and Deayon.

Why he won’t see a larger role in 2021:

He didn’t make the 53-man roster, and that says something. Was it the fact that he is too raw, or too inconsistent? Or do the Rams share the ‘too small’ perspective? Or is there a larger flaw in his approach to the position? The Rams seem to be focused upon safeties as the duct-tape to the defense. If the team stays focused on that position, Deayon may be relegated to the practice squad once more.

Opt-Out offensive lineman

The LA Rams offensive line is a bit of even-steven this year. While the team lost veteran offensive center, Austin Blythe, to the NFL Free Agency market, the team is happy to welcome back offensive lineman Chandler Brewer. Both GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay have named Brewer multiple times in press conferences as a player who could see a larger role with the team in 2021.

Why he could see a larger role in 2021:
Well, when the general manager and head coach both recite your name as a player who could see a larger role this year, that’s a pretty good place to start. However the Rams configure the offensive line, there should be a spot for Brewer. The team will need to fill the void at the offensive center, and whoever takes that spot will leave a void to be filled. Brewer, at his worst, can fill a backup offensive line position. But this 6-foot-6 320-pound behemoth is a huge massive and powerful offensive lineman who should be ready to compete for a starting role on the offensive line.

Why he won’t see a larger role in 2021:
For the very reason that he is a ‘pick-up’ to the roster this year. He has been out of football for a year, and with the new season, the team won’t exactly be rushing to the practice field. Has he remained NFL-ready though it all? And with a new offensive line coach Kevin Carberry, will he fit the type of player that Carberry likes, or will he be overlooked as the new coach builds an offensive line to his specifications?