Rams 1st unofficial depth chart holds unexpected surprises worth discussing

Okay, we have watched with baited breath as the LA Rams navigated OTAs, mandatory mini-camp, and training camp. And now that we have arrived at the first practice week of the team's first preseason game, the speculation is nearing it's end. The team has released its first unofficial depth chart. But even as speculation is waning, conversations and debates are waxing. After all, the first depth chart is truly unofficial, which means that names are penciled in, not written in permanently.

But with the first depth chart, official or unofficial, fans get immediate GPS tracking of players who are or are not making positive impressions on coaches to this point in time. And for some players, the hopes of making an instant impression and squeezing into a backup roster spot for the first depth chart have been dashed. That may be discouraging, but it could also fuel extra incentives to show up in a huge way as preseason games show up on the horizon.

Here is the Rams first unofficial depth chart, as shared by ESPNs Rams reporter, Sarah Bishop:

While still not set in stone, the timing of the first Rams depth chart does open some relevant talking points. For instance, we know that the team sits starters for preseason games (well, wherever possible). But where will the team draw the line? Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford will sit in preseason games. But will the team give Jimmy Garoppolo some preseason work? After all, he has been a bit inconsistent so far,

And then there is the matter of his two-game suspension to start the season.

But there is much more to glean from this depth chart. Let's unpack the information together, and glean what we can from this early starting point of where players sit on the roster.

Quarterback

Starter: Matthew Stafford

Backup: Jimmy Garoppolo

Others in line: Stetson Bennett, Dresser Winn

While this is as expected, the presentation is a bit misleading. For openers, the team is entering the 2024 NFL season knowing that Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for two games. For all intents and purposes, unless injured, second-year quarterback Stetson Bennett will serve as the backup quarterback for those two games.

The biggest question with the quarterback position is how will the team handle the workload through preseason games? The team has set up dual tracks to test starters and key rotational players via joint practices and scrimmages, while allowing true backup players to compete in preseason games. But how will the team handle the unique situation where Jimmy Garoppolo, the designated backup quarterback, will be away from the team for two weeks. Should the Rams give him preseason work, to ensure that he stays sharp during his hiatus?

And If the team leans to sitting Garoppolo, does it place unnecessary risk on backup quarterback Stetson Bennett, who will be tasked with backing up Stafford for the first two games of the season?

Where does the team draw a line in the sand in terms of who does, and who does not, appear in preseason games? It could eventually become a staggered distribution of offensive snaps. In essence, the team could start preseason games with Jimmy Garoppolo, insert backup quarterback Stetson Bennett for the second and third quarters, and finish off games with young developmental quarterback Dresser Winn.

Minimizing the risk to key players is a wise goal. But in doing so, the team cannot amplify the risk to other key players who are also expected to fill key roles this season.

Running Back

Starter: Kyren Williams

Backup: Blake Corum

Others in line: Zach Evans, Boston Scott, Ronnie Rivers

I have to admit that I still see Blake Corum as more than a backup for the team the season. In fact, I see the overall distribution of carries this year for feature RB Kyren Williams averaging approximately 15-20 carries per game. And I can see RB Blake Corum averaging 10-15 carries per game in a complementary role.

The rest of the group is as expected. the Rams will likely carry no more than three rushers on the initial 53-man roster. Right now, that third runner is likely to be Boston Scott, as his experience in a special team's returner role is not easily disregarded.

Receiver

Starters: Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Cooper Kupp

Backups: Tyler Johnson, Tuta Atwell, Jordan Whittington,

Others in line: Sam Wiglusz, Drake Stoops, J.J. Laap, Xavier Smith

Despite rising stock in training camp reports, Xavier Smith was unable to convert 'catching everything in sight,' into a backup role on the first depth chart. But just to be fair, Smith is adoppelganger for veteran WR Tutu Atwell. He is smaller-sized, swifter than expected, and can test the back end of the secondary on almost any play.

Veteran Tyler Johnson, a wide receiver who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 208 pounds, is a solid backup for this team. Puka Nacua is injured but is expected to be ready to play in Week 1. The roster adjustments to meet the scheduled workload could open opportunities for others in line to make their move. If either Sam Wiglusz or J.J. Laap, both rookies who stand at least 6-foot-0 in height, can get hot, this is the time to do so.

Tight End

Starter: Colby Parkinson

Backups: Davis Allen

Others in line: Hunter Long, Nikola Kalinic, Miller Forristall

Injured: Tyler Higbee (ACL - IR/PUP)

I was mildly suprised by this configuration. On my scorecard, I had veteran TE Colby Parkinson narrowly ahead of second-year TE Davis Allen, and veteran TE Hunter Long further ahead. As it now stands, the Rams will not keep four tight ends on this roster when Tyler Higbee is healthy enough to return to the active roster. That places Miller Forristall, Nikola Kalinic, and Hunter Long on the roster bubble.

But if both Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen continue to shine brightly in competition, that could complicate the Rams timetable for Tyler Higbee's return as well.

Of course, if this holds true, then you may see plenty of Hunter Long in preseason competition, and I expect that will feed into his role and skillset for the Rams.

Offensive Tackle

Starters: Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein

Backups: Joe Noteboom, Warren McClendon

Next in line: Blake Larson, A.J. Acuri, K.T. Leveston, MATT KASKEY, CONOR MCDERMOTT

The LA Rams offensive tackle situation is a bit chaotic right now. With the team incurring injuries with Alaric Jackson (ankle), Rob Havenstein (foot/ankle), Warren McClendon (ankle), and KT Leveston (ankle), the team had to turn to the NFL Free Agency market to bring in enough bodies to play the position. Both McClendon and Leveston suffered injuries in the joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers. So it was a timely matter to get new and healthy offensive tackles on board now.

The fact that the team must turn around new two new offensive tackles and get them up to speed almost instantly will likely not happen in time to get good results in time to compete against the Dallas Cowboys. What may happen this week is the Rams using Matt Kaskey and Conor McDermott in roles for the teams first preseason game, while sending Noteboom and the best option to face the Cowboys in a joint scrimmage setting.

The Rams know that Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein will start this season, and swing tackle Joe Noteboom is as close to a lock as there is on this roster. But that fourth position, one more backup tackle slot, is very much up for grabs right now. I suspect that even considering his injury and toughing it out against the Chargers, Warren McClendon's performance against the Chargers opened the window for another player to claim that spot.

There continues to be some level of concern that injuries to both Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein are stubborn and fans are beginning to be concerned that they may not be ready to suit up for Week 1. Those are only unconfirmed fears at this point. As you can see, the Rams' injuries to four offensive tackles necessitated the team's quick action to bolster the roster, and not due to some unstated lack of recovery by injured players.

Interior Offensive Line

Starters: Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson

Backups: Mike McCalister, Logan Bruss, Zach Thomas

Next in line: Beaux Limmer, Justin Dedich, Grant Miller, ALEC LINDSTROM

I have to admit that I was more than mildly surprised to see Beaux Limmer's name not listed as a backup in the first unofficial Rams depth chart. But on a happy note, that will mean seeing plenty of Beaux go in preseason games. And yes, that alone is enough to get me excited for each and every preseason game on the team's schedule.

But let's not gloss over the fact that seldom mentioned IOL Logan Bruss is entrenched as a bona fide backup in the team's maiden depth chart. Was that simply out of respect for the rough water under the bridge for the beset veteran? Or is that due to his impressive but unreported performance in training camp this season?

I continue to admire the team's depth at the interior of the offensive line. As it now stands, both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson have been mentioned separately by NFL analysts as being in an ideal position for a Pro Bowl season. I think this group will see significant changes before the initial 53-man roster cuts arrive. I like Beaux Limmer and Alec Lindstrom's chances to improve their position on the depth chart.

Defensive Line:

Starters: Kobie Turner, Bobby Brown III,

Backups: Braden Fiske, Larrell Murchison

Next in line: Tuli Letuligasenoa, David Olajiga, Cory Durden, Tyler Davis, Desjuan Johnson, Anthony Goodlaw

This is a rather major surprise. Rather than default with a standard 3-4 defensive depth chart, the Rams initial depth chart defaults to the team's nickel package with a 2-4-5 configuration. But if you need to insert a third, fourth, or more defensive linemen, the team will almost certainly be tapping multiple players currently shown in the 'Next in line,' category.

Based on what we know so far, the Rams likely consider NT Tyler Johnson, DE Desjuan Johnson, and DE Anthony Goodlaw as backups at this point in time as well, particularly if the team deploys a 3-4-4 or 5-1-5 configuration. And despite the fact that the team shows two starters and only two backups, the team will carry six defensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster.

This group could be one of the most entertaining in preseason. If the team goes with the above depth chart to determine who plays in preseason games, fans are in for a real treat as second-year DE Desjuan Johnson, as well as rookies Tyler Davis and Anthony Goodlaw may see plenty of action.

Edge Rushers

Starters: Jared Verse, Byron Young

Backups: Michael Hoecht, Nick Hampton

Next in line: Brennan Jackson, Zach VanValkenburg, Ochaun Mathis, Keir Thomas

I did not expect second-year outside linebacker Nick Hampton to hold off rookie OLB Brennan Jackson, particularly with glowing reports frequently surfacing out of Rams training camp about Jackson's energy, physicality, and ability to make plays. But while this early edition of the Rams depth chart does inspire renewed how for Nick Hampton to make the roster, it sinks the hopes of Keir Thomas, Ochaun Mathis, and Zach VanValkenburg.

The two starters right now are and will remain OLB Jared Verse and Byron Young. Unless they are injured, they will get the lion's share of defensive snaps, and that is in spite of the fact that the team pledged to do a better job of not overworking the starting edge rushers this season.

I remain unconvinced.

But I can see the team using the amazing versatility of OLB/DL Michael Hoecht is a wide assortment of positions, both in two-point and three point stances. But I would not look for the team to make the same mistake as 2023, allowing offenses to dictate Hoecht in coverage. Even if offenses attempt to isolate Hoecht in coverage with motion and formation, I suspect that new DC Chris Shula will have a solid response that could quickly discourage the practice.

Off-Ball Linebackers

Starters: Ernest Jones IV, Christian Rozeboom

Backups: Troy Reeder, Jacob Hummel

Next in line: Omar Speights, Elias Neal, Olakunle Fatukasi

Call me unimpressed with the team's initial depth chart at the interior linebacker position. While I love the fact that veteran ILB Ernest Jones IV is back and leading this defense as only he can, the team truly needed to do better than reset the same players in the same depth roles and hope for a better result from the position group overall.

If you, like me, hoped for one of the team's undrafted rookies in either Omar Speights or Elias Neal, this first iteration is a bit disappointing. If insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting differing results, then the Rams have truly gone mad over the ILB plans for 2024. I know that Ernest Jones will dominate in this defense with a huge volume of tackles.

But who will be his best partner? The team believes that Christian Rozeboom is best suited as his partner, and they may be right. Rozeboom was clearly the most productive second option at ILB in 2023. The team continues to believe in Troy Reeder and Jacob Hummel, but neither sems to pass the sniff test or put up good optics when they are in the game. Reeder seems to be out of position to make plays, while Hummel just appears, ineffective.

Hopefully a depth player can get hot in the preseason.

Cornerback

Starters: Darious Williams, Tre'Davious White, Cobie Durant

Backups: Jerry Jacobs, Tre Tomlinson

Next in line: Cameron McCutcheon, Josh Wallace, Cam Lampkin

Injured: Derion Kendrick (ACL on IR)

Despite NFL analysts shying away from the Rams secondary, I am apparently much higher than generic analysts. In my view, the teams has gotten deeper (even in spite of the Derion Kendrick injury), the teams free agent additions appear to be exceeding expectations, and the infusion of veterans has even elevated the play of returning young cornerbacks like Cobie Durant and Tre Tomlinson.

Pass coverage in the NFL is no easy task. But the team's strategy for 2024 is not simply reliant upon getting better coverage, but in shortening the time quarterbacks have to find an open receiver. And then, as if the strategy was not solid enough, the team focused on adding ball-hawking defensive backs to create turnovers and make quarterbacks pay for errant throws.

I believe that the Rams are on the right track.

While the Rams must play 17 games, they certain seem to have highlighted what they know about Detroit Lions starting QB Jared Goff and designed a defense that will give him a far stingier effort this season. Goff does not play well when defenses can apply pressure. And he is susceptible to interceptions if the play starts to break down.

I like the depth chart at cornerback as it stands.

Nickle Cornerback

Starter: Quentin Lake

Backup: Russ Yeast

Next in line: Charles Woods

The Rams love DB Quentin Lake, and rightfully so. He is an NFL legacy, son of former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler Carnell Lake, and has leveraged that family heritage to become one of the best defensive backs on this team. And his role as the nickel, slot, star, or whatever else the team names this role, the results are the same: Quentin Lake is counted on to show up big on every play.

The Rams display a 4-2-5 in their depth chart, but the team could just as easily put up a 3-3-5 by pulling out ILB Christian Rozeboom and inserting a defensive end into the line of scrimmage. In either case, this nickel cornerback role will remain the same: Defend the pass.

While both Quentin Lake and Russ Yeast arrived to the team as safeties, they are shown in a more demanding and versatile role. Should Lake be injured, I would not be surprised to see a cornerback be added to this spot.

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.