Some NFL teams LA Rams should monitor for waiver claims and roster upgrades

Okay, so the LA Rams are not exactly blowing up opposing quarterbacks just yet in preseason. While that may have triggered some disappointment in some fans minds, and a mild panic in the minds of other fans, this is no shock. Rushing the passer at the NFL level is a challenging role to master at the professional level.

Even the most gifted rookie edge rushers need time to synchronize with the speed and physicality of play at a professional level. Oregon rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux's first season with the New York Giants resulted in just 4.0 quarterback sacks and 49 tackles. And he was one of the top-rated outside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Another top-rated outside linebacker, Purdue's George Karlaftis III, debuted for the Kansas City Chiefs with 6.0 quarterback sacks and 33 tackles. Finally, Penn State outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie debuted for the Atlanta Falcons' defense by registering 2.5 quarterback sacks and 30 tackles

Edge rushers, like love, take time

And they were considered three of the most promising outside linebackers from the 2022 NFL Draft. So two games in for the LA Rams rookies in preseason, with a lack of pressure, may be triggering the alarms for some fans, but it was the inevitable outcome for the Rams strategy of loading up the roster with rookie edge rushers.

Even more obvious, the Rams did not carpet-bomb the position with their best picks. Rather, the Rams addressed the edge position with the 77th overall pick, the 161st overall pick, and the 189th overall pick.

In terms of Day 1 production, the LA Rams defense as the roster is now configured will struggle to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks without the use of blitzing linebackers or defensive backs. But with a young and untested secondary, that cannot be the primary strategy for the Rams pass rush this season.

So it will come down to shopping the waiver wire, and picking up those promising pass rusher who have made a positive impression in preseason games, but lose out to the numbers game in terms of no room on the roster. So, without any further discussions, let's jump right into this one:

LA Rams should monitor these teams for potential roster cuts

1. NFC teams to monitor as rosters are cut down to the 53-man limit
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. New Orleans Saints
5. AFC teams to monitor as rosters are cut down to the 53-man limit
6. Kansas City Chiefs
7. Los Angeles Chargers
8. New England Patriots
9. Bonus: Baltimore Ravens