LA Rams roster projection loaded for the 2022 NFL season

Here we are, on the eve of the final LA Rams roster cuts. It’s a nerve-wracking night of restless sleep for many of the Rams roster players who are sitting on the team’s bubble. For the rookies? This is likely an all-nighter, a night of nervous anxiety as they await news at first light over who goes and who stays.

No doubt you have been bombarded by countless examples of projections of the LA Rams’ 53-man roster. But we offer our projections with a bit of a twist. Because challenges arise in any attempt to truly assess how this roster looks compared to last year’s initial 53-man roster, we’ve gone that extra mile for you.

We have presented our 53-man roster in a bit of a unique manner. We started with the 2021 initial LA Rams roster and struck lines through those players who are either no longer with the team or who are not projected to wind up on the roster this year. For new players, we have simply added their names to the appropriate position.

Makes sense? Here we go:

Offense (25)

QUARTERBACKS (2): Matthew Stafford, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
John Wolford (Injured)

The LA Rams would love to carry three quarterbacks, but to make the numbers work, the Rams can only carry two quarterbacks initially. To do so, look for John Wolford’s thumbnail injury to either push him to the practice squad, or to an injured status to begin the season

RUNNING BACKS (3): Darrell Henderson Jr., Sony Michel, Kyren Williams. Jake Funk, Cam Akers

While an argument could be made to consider either Jake Funk or Trey Ragas, I don’t think that the Rams will carry more here. To do so, the Rams would need to go too light at tight end or offensive line, and I can’t see it.  I could envision the LA Rams laying claim to running back Sony Michel off waivers. But to make that happen, the Rams would need to designate Cam Akers on short-term Injured Reserve.

WIDE RECEIVERS (8): Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson (injured), Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Powell, Jacob Harris, Lance McCutcheon

Eight is enough. ‘Nuff said

I don’t reflect Van Jefferson with any injury designation because the Rams will want him available sooner than the four weeks mandated by the NFL regulations.

TIGHT ENDS (3): Tyler Higbee, Johnny Mundt, Brycen Hopkins, Jacob Harris, Roger Carter

This feels like my first venture into less certain territory. I believe that the Rams will compensate for parting ways with special teams standout Jake Funk by carrying special teams standout Roger Carter.  If the Rams go with two tight ends, that will likely result in going with an extra running back.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Andrew Whitworth, Joe Noteboom, David Edwards, Brian Allen, Coleman Shelton Austin Corbett, Rob Havenstein, Bobby Evans, Tremayne Anchrum Jr., Alaric Jackson, Jack Snyder, AJ Arcuri
Logan Bruss (IR)

The LA Rams offensive line depth chart will never be easy, as the team must consider backing up five positions with fewer than five backups. In this case, the Rams are able to work that mathematical magic through the versatility of Tremayne Anchrum Jr., who can fill the backup role for either offensive guard position. Surprise! Undrafted rookie Jack Snyder makes the roster because the team will need his prowess to add depth at the offensive center.

Defense (25)

DEFENSIVE LINE (5): A’Shawn Robinson, Aaron Donald, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Greg Gaines, Michael Hoecht, Marquise Copeland
Bobby Brown III (suspended 6 games)

I truly wrestled with the defensive line, as the team will definitely consider either Earnest Brown IV or Jonah Williams. Because Bobby Brown will be suspended for the first six games of the season, the Rams may not go with six defensive linemen initially. If the team goes with six defensive linemen, they will offset that by going with three inside linebackers

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): Leonard Floyd, Justin Hollins, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Terrell Lewis, Chris Garrett, Keir Thomas
Daniel Hardy (IR/Designated to return)

How can the LA Rams ignore the surge of undrafted outside linebacker Keir Thomas? I’m really not sure that they do. With Daniel Hardy recovering from a high ankle sprain, the team will want to have additional pass-rushing options.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Troy Reeder, Kenny Young, Ernest Jones, Bobby Wagner, Jake Hummel, Christian Rozeboom
Travin Howard (injured)

The Rams’ defense could be shockingly good this season if the combination of Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones lives up to the team’s brochure. To help out at depth, rotations, and special teams, the inclusion of both Jake Hummel and Christian Rozeboom will pay off in dividends.

CORNERBACKS (6): Jalen Ramsey, Darious Williams, Troy Hill, David Long Jr., Robert Rochell, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick

The LA Rams are loaded with defensive backs this year. But these six seem to be the true cream of the crop.

SAFETIES (5): Taylor Rapp, Nick Scott, Terrell Burgess, Jordan Fuller, J.R. Reed, JuJu Hughes, Russ Yeast
Quentin Lake (Reserve/PUP)

There is a strong case for undrafted Dan Isom to be considered, but I suspect he will be directed to the team’s practice squad

Special Teams (3)

SPECIALISTS (3): Matt Gay (kicker), Matthew Orzech (long snapper), Riley Dixon (punter)

I am not overjoyed at the fact that the Rams have designated Riley Dixon as their starting punter I could be completely wrong, but his preseason punts seemed to invite huge returns. It’s too late to sign a new punter to the roster. The best that the LA Rams can do now is to sign a punter to the practice squad, and quietly continue the competition for a starting role into the NFL season.