6 Rams you may not recognize who you won't forget after preseason Game 1

(5) - Olakunle Fatukasi (#54) - Inside Linebacker

When it comes to the inside linebacker position, the Rams have not exactly paid much attention or made much of an investment in the position this season. But the team did sign inside linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi to the practice squad in October 2023, and he has remained with the team ever since. This 6-foot-2 238-pound inside linebacker out of Rutgers was originally signed after the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and although putting up a competitive fight through preseason, he was released by the Bucs.

He cycled through four NFL teams before finally finding a more stable home on the Rams roster. But now he must put up that competitive fight once more. His lone appearance for the Rams was one game as a special teamer. Now, he truly has the chance to be far more.

Nagging injury news over star inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV has opened questions as to whiy this team has not taken a more discerning look at the quality of his teammates at that position. Bute Olakunle Fatukasi could do both himself and the team a huge favor by showing up in a huge way and silencing critics. He did so for the Bucs in 2022. Can history repeat itself?

(6) - Tre Tomlinson (#6) - Defensive Back

While fans have been looking for great things out of second-year defensive back Tre Tomlinson, they have been patient in waiting for him to show up to the level that many expect from him. But that can change in 2024. It's only his second season, but after a struggling rookie season whose biggest play was a flagrant foul in which he tackled a player by the face mask, Tomlinson has struggles to find any playing time.

Despite big hopes, this 5-foot-9 177-pound cornerback played in just 45 defensive snaps. He did get 13 tackles, but he allowed five of six passes targeting his receiver to find the mark. even surrendering one touchdown. A bad experience? Perhaps.

But he is back in the saddle, and has been playing alongside some of the NFL's best defensive backs in the form of Darious Williams and Tre'Davious White. And their mentoring and advice have absolutely been taken to heart. Tomlinson may not wrest a starting role from a teammate, but he is no longer a rookie frantic to make huge plays to earn a roster spot. He is defensive back with a newfound confidence to play his game, within his means.

While his name is the most recognized on of this six-pack of players to track, he has yet to put up a memorable performance, at least one with positive connotations.

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