4 Rams who may already be guaranteed cuts before preseason finale vs. Texans

(2) - OLB Keir Thomas

It seems quite ironic to say that the LA Rams are flush with pass rush talent after a 2023 NFL season in which the team needed a stronger pass rush. And that defense had the benefit of All-Pro DT Aaron Donald. But times do change in the NFL. After strong rookie seasons from both NT Kobie Turner and OLB Byron Young, the Rams doubled down by drafting a new pair of rookies in DT Braden Fiske and OLB Jared Verse.

Furthermore, the team welcomes back OLB Michael Hoecht, is excited about the stronger and more muscular physique of second-year OLB Nick Hampton, and is welcoming rookie OLB Brennan Jackson and DT Tyler Davis.

While the team had lost both Donald and DE Jonah Williams, the team may need to make room for as many as six or seven rookies to this roster. Those players will need vacated roster slots. While I like third-year veteran OLB Keir Thomas, he seems to have plateaued at a level that is not quite where the Rams hoped. In two preseason games, he has three tackles, but no quarterback sacks.

That's not something the Rams wanted to see from a veteran outside linebacker.

You cannot accuse this team of impatience. Thomas is returning to the team for his third NFL season. He has seen action in 165 defensive snaps, has amassed 10 tackles, but has yet to record a single quarterback sacks. He has two quarterback pressures, and two QB knockdowns in his career.

The Rams want to improve on defense, and assemble a solid pass rush. While he may fit a niche role on some NFL defense, Keir Thomas does not appear to exhibit the upside that this defense is seeking.