NFL legend reminds us that the NFL roster moves are about the 'right situation'

LA Rams GM Les Snead has been working the phones, claiming players off waivers, and even signing marginal NFL players to the practice squad. While some fans remain curious over the possibility that any player added to the team might bring, many battle-hardened fans simply scoff at the idea that any player who hasn't been a Pro Bowler in his recent past has anything of value to offer the team now.

But there could be a problem with relying on how a player has performed in the past to set expectations after they arrive at the Rams roster. We know that former free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield rediscovered his passion for football after signing with the Rams in 2022, and leveraged his solid production to become the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

We know that the Rams pried backup IOL Kevin Dotson from the Pittsburgh Steelers roster via a trade, and he has turned into one of the most physical and dependable offensive linemen on the team.

So history may offer clues, but that history does not dictate how well or not a player might perform for this team. That point was driven home by former All-Pro turned CBS Sports NFL analyst J.J. Watt, as he discussed how players need to grow as human beings along the course of their NFL careers. And he shared his thoughts as a guest on the Pat McAfee Show:

One of the hardest hitting statements by J.J. Watt during the podcast begins at the 1:19 mark in the embedded video above:

"The NFL is all about the right situation. It is about developing players. We continue to forget that you are supposed to develop players. I get it. Everybody wants instant gratification. But we are now seeing it in college. We are having the same issue now in college where we are not developing players. We are not growing players because everybody just wants to go to the (player transfer) portal and find another player to plug and play. You forget that some guys have to grow and develop as a human, as a player, as an athlete."

CBS NFL Analyst JJ Watt

While not every addition to the Rams roster has surpassed expectations, I certainly appreciate how the Rams continuously strive to ensure that their coaches have a solid track record for developing young players.

So there are reasons for hope that recent additions could prove to be more than just more warm bodies at practice sessions.

More Rams roster News:

• The perfect player just fell into the LA Rams laps, and here are 6 reasons why:
• Rams get 'Strong'er on the practice squad and other roster signings

The LA Rams continuously tweak their players to ensure that the front office ensures that coaches have the best selection of players to work as they prepare for each new opponent. That means continuing to work well into the month of December.

Of course, no player added now should be viewed as an instant-impact player. But even as the season ends, the team will ensure players remain with the team via the use of Reserve/Future contracts. Rams GM Les Snead views all roster moves like moves on a chess board and will plan his moves many weeks in advance.

All we can do is sit back and watch the Grand Master at work. As always, thanks for reading.

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