LA Rams can’t afford to redshirt offensive rookies in 2021

The LA Rams entered the 2021 NFL Draft with just six picks and emerged with nine drafted rookies. Of course, the plan was to reinforce roster depth for the 2021 NFL season, as well as for projected team needs in 2022. But how wisely did the LA Rams shop in the draft?

Well, in 2020, the LA Rams added a running back, a tight end, a wide receiver, an outside linebacker, two safeties, one offensive lineman, a placekicker, and a linebacker. Neither the placekicker (K Sam Sloman) nor the linebacker (ILB Clay Johnston) is with the LA Rams now. And for all intents and purposes, the team essentially redshirted TE Brycen Hopkins, OL Tremayne Anchrum, and partially held back WR Van Jefferson.

In 2021, the LA Rams drafted two more wide receivers, another tight end, another running back, two defensive linemen, an inside linebacker, a cornerback, and an outside linebacker. While the team will likely find immediate uses for defensive players, the sheer logjam at wide receiver, tight end, and running back is certain to force the Rams to cut valuable players.

With five tight ends, five running backs, and 11 wide receivers, the LA Rams may have added talented players via the draft, only to face the harsh reality of roster limits limiting their impact. What do I mean? Well, 2021 additions are only as valuable to the team as the improvement to the team’s talent of who they replace. If WR Tutu Atweel sticks with the team’s 53-man roster by replacing WR Trishton Jackson, then the effect to the team’s roster is whatever he adds over and above what Jackson provided.

For the defensive players, the Rams lost a corresponding veteran, so the incoming rookies fill a void. But the team had already planned for the offensive losses by adding WR Van Jefferson, TE Brycen Hopkins, and RB Xavier Jones to the 53-man roster in 2020. Two more rookie wide receivers, a tight end, and a running back will likely only make the roster this year by replacing returning players.

Rostered players in a 17 game season need to play, that’s the harsh truth. Whether that means contributing actively on special teams or assuming a rotational role of offensive or defensive snaps, the extra game will mean an even longer season. To keep the starters healthy for post-season play, the LA Rams will not have the luxury of redshirting rookies this year.

With a longer season, and an expectation to earn an NFL Playoff berth, the LA Rams need everyone on the roster to contribute in some way. The LA Rams mistakenly waited too long to activate Cam Akers, Van Jefferson, and never got around to getting either Xavier Jones or Brycen Hopkins onto the football field, and that may have cost the Rams a chance to advance in the playoffs. What will this mean for the LA Rams roster cuts to get down to the 53-man roster? Some shocking and surprising cuts are in store.