6 promising 2023 rookies risking release after Rams Game 3 of preseason

(1) DB Tre Tomlinson

While the LA Rams secondary does not yet have the feel of a fully vetted, tested, and well-rounded group of competitors, it's pretty close to being 'there.' The weak link of the group appears to be that fourth cornerback slot, the role that was vacated when DB Derion Kendrick's season ended with his ACL injury. While the team has plenty of young talent, there are none that are quite heads and shoulders above the rest.

And that makes this spot the most difficult to project.

If second-year defensive back Tre Tomlinson had competed at the level that we all believe him to be capable of, this discussion would not even be taking place. But he continues to struggle at self-discipline, a defensive back who seems to explode with an NFL version of road rage that almost always draws a flag, and at the worst possible moments of the game.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 57.7

Beyond the penalties, Tomlinson is simply not having a good preseason.

One stat that stands out: 2 horrific penalties

Odds of making the roster: With the surprising surge of other undrafted rookies, his odds of making the 53-man roster is one out of three.

(2) RB Zach Evans

Running back Zach Evans can make some powerful runs. But his ability to break away on long runs has yet to happen. Meanwhile, the number of runs in which Evans gains next to nothing is alarmingly too frequent. I would love to see Evans make the roster, as he has the size that I love to have on this offense. Alas, it may only be a pipe-dream. Evans may need a huge game to keep his dream of making the roster alive. He may not deliver.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 62.5

One stat that stands out: 3.2 yards per carry

Odds of making the roster: With veteran RB Boston Scott expected to get a lot of work in Game 3, the odds of Evans making the roster have improved. One out of three.

(3) OLB Ochaun Mathis

I hate to say it, but the LA Rams are simply loaded to the teeth with talented edge rushers. The team added two incredibly talented outside linebackers in Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson, Couple that with the beefed up surge of 2023 rookie Nick Hampton, and the Rams pass rush appears to have plenty of talented players.

With a numbers game working against him, OLB Ochaun Mathis shows up strong, but not strong enough.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 77.9

One stat that stands out: 0 quarterback hits, 0 quarterback sacks

Odds of making the roster: Too many better players. One out of five.

(4) DE Desjuan Johnson

2023 NFL Draft's 'Mr. Irrelevant' is a young defensive lineman who showed up in 2023, and will likely show up in a larger role in 2024. Even as the team added plenty of defensive line help, the experience of Desjuan Johnson on the defensive front continues to be a bastion of consistency. He is going to make plays this season.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 61.8

One stat that stands out: 6 tackles

Odds of making the roster: He finished strong in 2023, which give him a solid argument for 2024. Three out of four.

(5) S Jason Taylor II

The LA Rams are loaded at the safety position. The team has Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, Kamren Curl, Kamren Kinchens, and John Johnson III all certain to make the roster. But the team will want to make room for more, as Jason Taylor very much looks the part of an NFL caliber safety. He loves to stick his nose into wherever that football may be, and that is a great trait for a defensive back to have.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 76.0

One stat that stands out: 9 tackles, one pass broken up

Odds of making the roster: The Rams are loaded with solid safeties. But Jason Taylor II is good enough. Four out of five.

(6) QB Stetson Bennett

The LA Rams understood that QB Stetson Bennett was away from football for a year. But they did not draft a rookie to compete for playing time, Even the free-agent quarterback signing of Jimmy Garoppolo left a void in the backup quarterback spot for Weeks 1 and 2. So Bennett is likely 'the guy' to hold the QB3 spot on the team.

The Rams started reserve quarterback Dresser Winn in this one, which is the equivalent of assuring that the Rams have seen enough. Bennett is almost certainly assured of a roster spot for at least the first two weeks of the season.

PFF Preseason Grade (after 2 games): 38.8

One stat that stands out: 41 of 69, 437 passing yards, 2 TDs and 5 INTs

Odds of making the roster: The Rams are locked to Stetson Bennett unless disaster strikes. I don't see disaster. Six out of six.

Now, let's get to the game, that is already underway.

Q1 Score

LA Rams 3
Houston Texans 0