3 Rams who likely showed too much, too little, too late to make the roster

The Los Angeles Rams are racing towards the inevitable day of roster cuts, when the training-camp roster must be whittled down from 90 to 53. Those 53 will take on the daunting task of 17 regular-season games, and hopefully a Super Bowl run after.

But what of the players who have endeared themselves to fans in the meantime?

Some will be stashed on the practice squad. Some will be claimed off waivers by other teams. Still others will return to individual workouts, awaiting a call from agents as injury-depleted teams replenish their ranks.

But that's a disappointing consolation to players whose greatest flaw was showing up too much, too little, and too late to pry a roster spot from the grip of teammates.

3. Cornerback Al'Zillion Hamilton

With all eyes on the top of LA's DB depth chart, undrafted rookie cornerback Al'Zillion Hamilton has delivered some inspirational football heroics. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound defensive back led the defense with six tackles and an interception in Saturday's preseason game against the Saints.

That follows a three-tackle performance in Game 1 versus Chiefs.

Hamilton deserves to make the team. Unfortunately, defensive coordinator Chris Shula finds himself squeezed by too many worthy DBs for too few roster slots. Hamilton faces being waived and hopefully returning to the practice squad. He's worth a 53-man spot; it's just that the Horns ran out of openings.

2. Edge rusher Wesley Bailey

Los Angeles typically carries four edge rushers. And the scorecard puts Wesley Bailey fifth. Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Steward, and Desjuan Johnson are ahead of him. That is not to say that Bailey does not deserve a roster spot.

Even head coach Sean McVay complimented his undrafted rookie after the second preseason game:

"Yeah, I thought you felt his presence all day. You know, he did a great job. He played a bunch of snaps. He's gotten a lot of reps even just because of some of the injuries that we've had at camp and guys being out.

"He's taking reps with the 1s. He's playing a lot of reps in both of these preseason games. I thought his body of work today compared to last week was really an improvement."

Against the Saints, Bailey had five tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble. He did not hear his name called out during the draft, but he was called out for a great preseason performance.

Unfortunately, that may not be enough.

1. Defensive back Alex Cook

General manager Les Snead spent valuable draft picks on All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. While Snead did not draft any reinforcements, he certainly stitched together a sharp secondary. And veteran DB Alex Cook showed why the Rams were eager to sign him as training camp drew to a close.

The late arrival has starred in the preseason. In two contests, he has racked up six tackles, delivered solid coverage, and even turned the tables with a pick-six from his own goal line. That 100-yard return was the cherry on top of a defensive performance that filled SoFi Stadium fans with optimism.

Like the others, Cook deserves a roster spot. But who will LA bump to give it to him?

Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Josh Wallace have all made the team. Even Cam Lampkin has a case after a solid training camp. Safeties Kam Curl, Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough are in as well. There isn't room.

That means Cook, like others on this list, must likely join the practice squad to continue his NFL career in LA. Fans will have to hope that no other team poaches these three in the process.

As always, thanks for reading.

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