7 Rams who may already have earned a roster spot before Game 3 vs Texans

(2) - WR Xavier Smith

It seems unfathomable that some believe that WR Xavier Smith may not make the team. After all, he is a second-year wide receiver who is catching nine of ten passes for 67 yards in preseason. That feat confirms all of the training camp reports claiming that he was catching anything thrown near him. And so he has.

But it's more than his magnetic ability to draw passes from the hands of his quarterback into his own hands. He has that certain 'it' factor on special team, and it's obvious in my gut whenever he touches the football that I would not be shocked to see him take it to the house for a punt or kickoff return for a touchdown.

That is the type of playmaker this team needs.

Even if he is not 'that,' guy, and must play as the understudy for WR Tutu Atwll in the role, that is okay with me. If Atwell is injured, which is entirely possible if Atwell's role in increased, then Smith is right their to slide into the role and take over. But even if Atwell remains healthy, and I hope that he does, Smith is his backup, ready to take over in 2025.

Xavier Smith has shown remarkable growth in 2024. He has earned the right to develop even further with the team.

(1) - ILB Omar Speights

The last players to make the roster must not only bring positional value to either the offense or defense, but they must bring value to special teams. Well, former LSU rookie inside linebacker Omar Speights is checking both of those boxes. And if you believe the words of HC Sean McVay, he is certainly making the most of his preseason snaps:

Preseason is about experimenting, learning about a player's and the game's limits. But Omar Speights has been showing up in nearly flawless performances. Whether he is showing up on special teams or on defense, he as been where he need to be to make the play, and then delivers wrecking ball tackles.

He gives the team a solid and worthwhile option over sticking to the same old complement of inside linebackers. While there is a place for veteran leadership, that role is already filled by starting ILB Ernest Jones. Omar Speights may be a rookie, but he shows up in games with a confident, well-prepared perspective that allows him to read and react to the play as it unfolds.

The Rams need him on the roster, and I think he makes it.

As always, thanks for reading.