6 LA Rams who can can earn their roster spot against the Broncos

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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive back

The LA Rams took a flyer by signing former Georgia defensive back J.R. Reed to the practice squad in September 2020 and have gradually improved his role with the team. Reed was promoted after Terrell Burgess was injured, and remained on the active roster for the duration of the season.

Why this player?

The LA Rams are getting a lot of good work out of Reed so far in just two preseason games. The defense of Raheem Morris mixes safeties heavily into pass coverages, and Reed fills that role well. So far he has chalked nine tackles, one interception, and three deflected passes. That’s solid work for a player who was exclusively special teams a year ago.

light. Hot. LA Rams may have no choice but to keep these 6 rising D stars

What should you be looking for?

J.R. Reed has had a good nose for finding the football, so you will want to be looking for that to continue in this one. He excels at being an opportunist, that is, making the offense pay for their mistakes. He’s a tough tackler and has shown a good ability to fend off blockers. All in all, you want to see more of the same that he’s shown so far.

What constitutes a great game?

J.R. Reed has the level of physicality that could be very effective as a blitzing defensive back. Will the Rams open up their playbook ever so slightly as to allow that to happen in this one? Perhaps not, but it would be fun to see. A forced turnover caused by Reed would be a huge exclamation point from him in the last preseason game of 2021

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