Rams 1st unofficial depth chart holds unexpected surprises worth discussing

Safety

Starters: Kamren Curl, John Johnson III

Backups: Kamren Kinchens, Jason Taylor II

Next in line: Jaylen McCullough, Tanner Ingle

The Rams certainly have gotten a lot of positive press so far out of their safety position, and for good reason. This is a solid group of players who are ready to rock this season. Curiously, the team has repurposed both Quentin Lake and Russ Yeast, collegiate safeties, into a slot cornerback/star role on the initial Rams depth chart. That does make sense, as the team is quite deep in the safety position.

It's mildly surprising to see Jason Taylor's positive momentum from 2023 carry over into 2024. And he joins Kamren Kinchens as backups for the safety position this season.

While listed as backups, we know that defensive backs will rotate in for periods to give starters rest breaks. And the Rams backups of Kamren Kinchens and Jason Taylor II will ensure that there is no degradation of talent as starters get well deserve rest.

Specialists

Kicker: Joshua Karty Tanner Brown

Backup kicker: Tanner Brown

Punter: Ethan Evans

Long Snapper: Alex Ward

Returner: Tutu Atwell

Backup: Boston Scott

While there is not a lot of competition among special team specialists, there are some mild surprises afoot. Let's start with the expected. So far rookie Joshua Karty appears to have the starting job of placekicker secured. That means that for the second consecutive season, kicker Tanner Brown has failed to secure a roster spot with the Rams.

But even if released, I predict that he will be signed by another NFL team in need of a kicker. And I also believe that Tanner Brown will do well.

Where the real surprise comes in is the fact that WR Tutu Atwell appears to be the starting kickoff and punt returner for the team. If the team goes with one returner for both kickoffs and punts that could mean that veteran running back Boston Scott may be fighting for a roster spot. If the team goes with two kickoff returners. Scott's spot on the team is far more secure.

Atwell in both a kickoff and punt returner role certainly adds a bit of intrigue about special teams this season. Will Atwell optimize his blockers, and kick in the afterburners only when he sees daylight? Or will he get overly anxious and try to gain yards before running lanes appear.

Lots to think about. And this is only the first depth chart.

As always, thanks for reading.