Rams quietly trade lineman in shocking cutdown-day roster shake-up

The Los Angeles Rams roster has been a source of debate and contention. The team simply has too many talented players to fit everyone who deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. On the other hand, it’s a safe bet that many of the talented players likely to be released won’t clear waivers, meaning they won’t re-sign to the team’s practice squad.

One of the toughest groups to project for the team’s initial 53-man roster has been the offensive line. It’s less about the talent itself (though that’s certainly a factor) and more about the uncertainty surrounding some key starters. While veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein appears healthy and ready, the same can’t be said for starting left tackle Alaric Jackson. It looks like the team may carry an extra offensive tackle to ensure adequate depth.

Of course, that means the team will need to trim depth elsewhere. The challenge is the amount of talent uncovered during the preseason. UDFA IOL Willie Lampkin was so dominant that he didn’t even compete in Game 3. Likewise, Wyatt Bowles performed incredibly well throughout the preseason. Their emergence allowed the team to trade away OL KT Leveston.

Rams pull off a shocking trade with the Browns for a future draft pick

This team understands the math and strategy behind roster cuts. There’s always a risk to weigh, parting ways with talented players versus taking something of value now to keep the talent pipeline stocked for the future. That’s the situation with Leveston, a collegiate offensive lineman who spent his rookie season sidelined by injury.

He returned to compete for a roster spot this offseason, but the competition proved too fierce. Rather than risk cutting him and watching another NFL team claim him, the front office opted to trade him to the Cleveland Browns for a 2028 seventh-round pick.

While a seventh-round pick in 2028 is three years away, it continues to bring in valuable assets that will aid the team. And those picks themselves can foster new trades. Is the return too light? Keep in mind that something is always greater than nothing. And the team seems to have plenty of OL talent in the pipeline for 2025.

Did Rams general manager Les Snead find another bumper crop of NFL players from among the ranks of undrafted rookies? We'll soon know the answer to that. But all signs so far are very promising indeed. As always, thanks for reading.

You may enjoy reading other Rams articles below