4 Rams who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2024

III - This tight end has fallen rapidly on the depth chart

When the Rams traded All-Pro DB Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins, they received a third-round pick and veteran TE Hunter Long. At the time, not much was known about Long. But as time passed, we learned that Hunter Long was a great blocking tight end, a draft prospect who was on the Rams list of potential targets, and a seldom-used receiver who the Rams would be able to unlock in this offense.

Come to think about it, that same description is one that could be used for newly signed free agent TE Colby Parkinson.

We've witnessed this before on the Rams roster in the case of TE Brycen Hopkins. He was a tight end who was added to the team, who seldom saw playing time, and who continued to find himself moving down the depth chart. Now that Hopkins is no longer on the roster, all indications are that Hunter Long is no longer in favor.

When Tyler Higbee returns, he will be the presumed starter on this team. Until then, newly signed TE Colby Parkinson will likely be the starter. He will be aided by second-year tight end Davis Allen. What role is left for Hunter Long? If he has an incredible training camp, he could work his way into a niche role. But I view his role in 2024 much like the role of WR Van Jefferson in 2023. When Tyler Higbee is healthy enough to play, Long will be traded if he is still with the team.