LA Rams could regret parting ways with these ascending edge rushers

The LA Rams have pared their roster from 90 players down to their 53-man limit for the up-and-coming 2024 NFL season. In the process, several players were shed who truly deserved a place on the roster. But there are a great deal of team decisions and actions to unpack rather quickly, so we have to start to unpack everything slowly, and carefully.

The Rams have opted to go with five pass rushers on the roster. That was the right decision, as the team retains blue collar workhorse DT/OLB Michael Hoecht, keeps two pass rushers from the 2023 NFL Draft in OLBs Byron Young and Nick Hampton, and added two new rookies this year from the 2024 NFL Draft in OLBs Jared Verse and Brennan Jackson.

All deserved a spot on the team's roster. But as is so often the case, players in heated competition may flourish in their next role, as they have the added motivation of having tasted the bitter fruits of losing out in an NFL competition.

Rams could regret releasing Keir Thomas, Zach VanValkenburg, and Ochaun Mathis

The three edge rushers who were released include:

• Keir Thomas | 5 tackles | 0 QB sacks | PFF Grade - 62.8
• Ochaun Mathis | 2 tackles | 0 QB sacks | PFF Grade - 71.1
• Zach VanValkenburg | 5 tackles | 1 QB sack | PFF Grade - 57.0

I understand the sentiment that the team only had so many roster spots, and that the team had to devote limited number of roster spots elsewhere. Still, you have to wonder if one or more of these multi-year Rams pass rushers will be available if and when the team signs players to their 16-man practice squad. Or even if they would entertain coming back on the practice squad for another go at it?

The Rams have five talented outside linebackers on the roster. But only time with tell if they are the most talented five outside linebackers.

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