5 Rams tumbling down depth charts during the preseason

Defensive lineman

When the LA Rams signed undrafted free agent Michael Hoecht after the 2020 NFL Draft, he had the type of background story that was a good read. He was a former graduate out of Brown University, was drafted in the CFL, and signed on as a defensive lineman to compete and play for one of the best defensive line units in the NFL. He has power, size and speed. Lots and lots of speed.

With all that being said, I continue to scratch my head as to why second-year defensive lineman Michael Hoecht is not showing up with much production in the box stats after games or in training camp reports. So far, Hoecht has racked up three tackles after appearing in two preseason games. That is on par with Marquise Copeland, and George Silvanic befor Silvanic was waived.

But we’re talking about the numbers game, and while Hoecht is showing steady progress, other players are showing up with more. Both Jonah Williams (six tackles, 1.5 QB sacks) and Eric Banks (five tackles, 2.0 QB sacks) are showing up in preseason so far. They are all competing with drafted rookies Bobby Brown III and Ernest Brown IV for limtied slots on the 53-man roster.

The Rams starters will shake out as Aaron Donald, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and A’Shawn Robinson. We know that Greg Gaines is one backup. It will be tough to dislodge Bobby Brown III from the other backup spot. That means that everyone is competing for one active roster spot, and even for slots on the practice squad. That’s simply the numbers game, and will likely force the Rams to part ways with several promising players. I was intrigued by Silvanic before he was cut. I like Michael Hoecht’s upside a great deal. But I don’t know where the LA Rams can stash him to keep him.