Rams rookies crash preseason battle that suddenly feels impossible to ignore

While it appears that the Los Angeles Rams roster has already decided who makes the team as far as the safeties are concerned, don't be so quick to stick a fork in the preseason competition A year ago, LA appeared to be loaded as the safety position with veteran defensive backs John Johnson III, Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl, and Kam Kinchens.

The team even carried veteran Russ Yeast into the 2024 NFL season. The reason to revisit the Rams’ safety history is that just a year ago, they had what felt like an insurmountable number of experienced competitors all projected to earn roster spots.

Ultimately, the team gave undrafted safety Jaylen McCollough a shot. He turned fewer than 400 defensive snaps into a team-leading four interceptions, one of them a pick-six. Heading into Week 1 of the 2024 preseason, his chances of making the roster were slim to none, yet he strung together enough strong performances to grab the coaching staff’s attention.

Those same odds now confront undrafted rookies Nate Valcarcel and Malik Dixon-Williams.

Rams' rookie DBs have nothing to lose in Week 1 of preseason

When it comes to the secondary, it's safe to conclude that many of the roster slots are claimed already. But that is not to suggest that competition and solid performances in the preseason games will be tossed aside. But before we dive in any deeper, let's take a look at the first unofficial Rams depth chart for the safety group.

Safety: Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Tanner Ingle, Malik Dixon-Williams
Safety: Kam Curl, Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel

The first Rams rookie safety competing for playing time is Malik Dixon-Williams. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 200 pounds, MDW can motor a 40-yard dash in approximately 4.6 seconds. Of the two competitors, he is more akin to the super safety role that former DC Raheem Morris seemed to value so highly. He is a ball-hawking defensive back, which, if demonstrated in preseason, could get his stock rising rapidly.

The second Rams rookie safety competing for playing time is 6-foot-1, 192-pound safety Nate Valcarcel. Varcarcel hoofs a 40-yard dash in just 4.52 seconds. As far as interest from the Rams front office, both MDW and Valcarcel were enticed to sign with the Rams with significant signing bonuses. As MDW is a ball hawker, Valcarcel has the versatility to contribute to the defense as well as special teams in coverage.

Preseason games are less about winning and losing and more about individual player performance. The roster may not appear to have room for one more safety, but the outlook for McCollough was just as bleak last season. Ultimately, there is always room for one more playmaker on the roster.

As always, thanks for reading.

Rams rookies crash preseason battle that suddenly feels impossible to ignore

Rams' rookie DBs have nothing to lose in Week 1 of preseason

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