3 biggest surprises from the initial 53-man LA Rams roster that have shocked fans

Troy Reeder is the teams starting ILB (again)

While you are still in disbelief and shock, let me pile on with more 'what is going on?' details of the team's latest defensive designs for the 2024 Rams roster and depth chart. Long-time journeyman ILB Troy Reeder will be running the team's defense as the guy most likely to wear the green dot. While that is not how anyone hoped this season might pan out, we know it may not remain this way forever.

In short, I believe that Reeder is a placeholder form either rookie ILB Omar Speights or Elias Neal.

It's not that Reeder has not been the team's starting ILB in the past. He has. The problem with Troy Reeder's performance to date has been far too inconsistent to be entrusted with a starting role. He started eight games in 2019, and appeared to be completely lost. Due to injuries, he started seven games in 2020, and he played okay. He even recorded three quarterback sacks in a game against the Washington Commanders.

The next season, he started 10 games. Once more, he appeared lost, out of position, and completely fooled on most plays. He did not start a single game in 2022 for the Los Angeles Chargers, but had one of his best seasons. He returned to the LA Rams in 2023, and started six games. Once again, he was out of position, fooled frequently, and missed 11.5 percent of his tackles.

Those are not good numbers. Those are the type of numbers that you find on a practice squad.

Is 2024 different? Is this the year of Troy Reeder's breakout season? The Rams coaching staff seems to think so. I'm skeptical, because we have been down this road many times. I like the fact that Reeder stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 236 pounds. But this is his sixth NFL season. It's time to show up, or show him the door.