LA Rams OTAs: Several player no-shows are a good thing

The LA Rams are getting into the swing of things now, with players and coaches reuniting on the practice field for the first time since winning Super Bowl LVI. But even as the Rams are ramping up in OTAs, there are some noticeable absences. So the question is, does that create cause for concern?

Well, not on the surface. In fact, in many cases, the absence of clear starters affords coaches greater time and opportunity to work with younger players. So who is not showing up right now for the LA Rams, and what does that mean for the younger players?

A bit more detailed description was provided by The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue (subscription required). The defensive side of the football without starting defensive linemen has meant more snaps for Marquise Copeland and Bobby Brown. At the outside linebacker, the lion’s share of the early work is going to Terrell Lewis and Chris Garrett.  The Rams’ cornerbacks right now are David Long Jr. and Robert Rochell, and they are getting a lot of work.

On the offensive side of the football, the backfield work is going to RB Jake Funk and Kyren Williams. Wide receiver work is going to WRs J.J. Koski, Tutu Atwell, and rookie Lawrence McCutcheon. For the offensive line, the Rams are giving work at the center to Coleman Shelton and right guard to Tremayne Anchrum.

OTAs are crucial for young players. This is the opportunity for the unfamiliar young players to build confidence through repetition. So the fact that the Rams veterans are not participating in OTAs should not be alarming for fans. In fact, from a strategic sense, the absence of veterans at OTA means better quality training for younger players fighting for roster spots.