The LA Rams surprise fans with this position depth in 53-man roster prediction

Specialists (3)

Kicker: Joshua Karty

Punter: Ethan Evans

Long Snapper: Alex Ward

Returner: Tutu Atwell

Backup: Xavier Smith

The LA Rams need some significant upgrades over 2023 in terms of special team upgrades. While I do believe that special teams will improve this season, I fear it will be more gradual than fans like. And as we have witnessed with former DC Raheem Morris, once there is a it of disdain and frustration with the fanbase, it lingers on, regardless of game details.

I have seen and am confident that rookie kicker Joshua Karty will play well this season. But that will be an overall perspective. He could and is likely to have one bad game (or two).

Punter Ethan Evans had a rough go of it in Game 2. I suspect that is due to the fact that he is being asked to generate more hang time. While the experiment appears to be generating a regression for now, I expect that he will exorcise the hang time haunts by around the BYE week this season. Of course, the Rams may abandon the entire more-hang-time effort and just ask Ethan Evans to kick the leather off the football once more.

We haven't seen Tutu Atwell on kickoff or punt returns, but if he is better than Xavier Smith, this team truly has something special in 2024. Smith appears to have a punt or kickoff return for a touchdown in him, and that is something the team would love to see.

All in all, this roster is about as well rounded as I recall under HC Sean McVay's tenure. While the Rams roster may not boast any All-Pros this season, I would be shocked if less than three players receive Pro Bowl honors.

But fans may be surprised, shocked even, at the fact that the team opts to carry 10 offensive linemen. But, it cannot be helped. The quality is far to high to risk releasing them. And the offensive tackle risk of further injury is too great to opt for one swing tackle. In the end, it's the best option for the team.

As always, thanks for reading.