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

On August 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm PT, the LA Rams must shrink their 90-player roster down to 53 players. And that is not going to be an easy feat. Not this season. While we can all cheer and admire the vast depth of talent embedded in this LA Rams roster that avails itself when the team defeats opponents who are sporting a blended mix of starters and backups, the euphoria will be short-lived. This team will be forced to send very talented players on their way.

On the other hand, this team is bursting with talent. This is not like previous seasons with a handful or so of elited established veterans leading a team of competent but by no means star-power players. What I have discovered about this team this season is that talent runs very deep indeed. So deep, I fear, that the team will need to overload on several positions just to ensure that the team does not lose starter-caliber players to other teams scanning the waiver wire for quality to backfill their desperately thin rosters.

Offense - Active Roster (23) | Practice Squad (8)

Quarterback (2/3)

Starter: Matthew Stafford

Backup: Jimmy Garoppolo (Week 3 and after), Stetson Bennett

Released: Dresser Winn

I suspect the only controversial matter over the Rams quarterback room is what will the team do with backup quarterback Stetson Bennett when Jimmy Garoppolo has served his time and returns to the team's active roster. For me, I see the team keeping Bennett on the roster. Others may view him as a likely candidate to be released in the hope of re-signing him to the team's practice squad.

Perhaps. But Bennett has been the most prolific passer in the NFL through two preseason games, per footballdb.com. That is a bit of a surprise, as he was away from football for a year. And he is supposed to be a dual-threat quarterback who is more renowned for his legs. So how is his throwing arm topping the charts right now?

Thank the Coach McVay-inspired offense. Yes, Stetson Bennett has thrown too many interceptions. But he is clearly a gun-slinger, the type of quarterback that Sean McVay warms up to. McVay loves to send in plays that ought to work, but have a quarterback who can improvise if the play breaks down. Bennett clearly can do that.

More curious to me is how backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will fit this offense if needed. From what I remember about facing Jimmy G so often is that he needs a strong running game, and he excels at throwing passes over the middle. Will that be the offense he runs if starting QB Matthew Stafford is unable to suit up?

I agree that this is one of the best quarterback groups that this team has had in quite some time. I am not yet certain that it will all mesh if and when the need arises.

Running Back (3)

Starter: Kyren Williams

Backup: Blake Corum, Boston Scott

Practice Squad (2): Zach Evans, Ronnie Rivers

Unlike many, I believe that the Rams stick with the versatility of veteran RB Boston Scott. Scott leads all NFL running backs in rushing yards after two preseason games, and his average YPC is 4.92, a respectable matter. Better still, he is the only running back to have an average of 4.5 yards per carry, while putting up 20+ preseason carries

The team love Ronnie Rivers. I get that. But I contend that the presence of Blake Corum should (and probably won't) change the team's perception that Ronnie Rivers offers this offense the best change-of-pace option for Kyren Williams. Right now, that alternative is the powerful strides of Blake Corum. That means the third running back option on the roster will need to be gifted at running, receiving, and even able to chip in at special teams. In my view, Boston Scott is the team's best 'third' option

Yes, there are teams that will be scanning the waiver wire for competent running backs. No matter who the Rams try to slide to their practice squad, they are at risk of some other team claiming them. But I'll go with this for now.

Receiver (6)

Starters: Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Cooper Kupp

Backups: Xavier Smith, Tuta Atwell, Jordan Whittington,

Likely Practice Squad (2) : Sam Wiglusz, JJ Laap

Released: Drake Stoops, Tyler Johnson

This is where I really started to feel the pain, and this has been a very tough matter. I could make an argument for this team to keep 10 receivers, but I know that the Rams will keep no more than six with the pressure to keep plenty of depth elsewhere. We know that rookie WR Jordan Whittington will make the roster. He had the most receiving yards in the NFL through two preseason games.

Curiously, his teammate, WR Xavier Smith, is the fourth-highest wide receiver in terms of yardage through two preseason games. Should the Rams turn a blind eye to that? I couldn't. The other aspect that I like about this configuration is the fact that the Rams offense poses a true threat to test the back end of defenses. If the team goes with a four-WR set, the team could send both Tutu Atwell and Xavier Smith on routes on either sideline. That alone would clear out a lot of the middle for either Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua to run intermediate routes. and gain big yards.

As is the case with so many positions on this team, open slots are filled before talented players are exhausted. At one point, I had Tyler Johnson making the roster. But his two catches out of seven targets stands in stark contrast to the catch-everything performance of his teammate, Xaver Smith.. And so it's Smith in, Johnson out. Finally, the team has to shed one rookie wide receiver. For me, Sam Wiglusz had a gutsy preseason, and then there is JJ Laap's game winning touchdown catch. Despite his popularity with many fans, Drake Stoops is the odd-man out in terms of the team's practice squad.

For now, at least.

Tight End (2/3)

Starter: Colby Parkinson

Backups: Davis Allen

Practice squad (1): Miller Forristall

Released: Nikola Kalinic, Hunter Long

Injured: Tyler Higbee (ACL - IR/PUP)

I am torn on this matter. I could see the Rams starting the season with two tight ends and expanding the position to three with the return of a healthy starting tight end. While where have heard plenty of positives about the Rams coaching staff being quite pleased with three tight ends in Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Hunter Long, I am simply not seeing the value to this roster at keeping three tight ends on the active roster. At least not until they commit to more 12-personnel package formations and plays.

We know that Colby Parkinson is 'the guy,' at least until Tyler Higbee returns. And I cannot see how this team steps aways from the amazing progress that second-year tight end Davis Allen made in his rookie season. But I haven't seen all of the potential that veteran TE Hunter Long was supposed to bring to the. Now in his second year of potential that has yet to turn into production, I think the Rams part ways with him.

The practice squad comes down to Nikola Kalinic or Miller Forristall. Right now, I give the nod to Forristall due to his game-winning touchdown heroics in Game 1. But Kalinic put on quite a show in Game 2. There is only one realistic practice squad slot open. Flip a coin.

My coin toss came up Forristall.

Offensive Tackle (4)

Starters: Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein

Backups: Joe Noteboom, Warren McClendon

Likely Practice squad (2): A.J. Acuri, K.T. Leveston

Released: Matt Kaskey, Blake Larson, Conor McDermott

I would love say that this team has plenty of room on the roster for more players. But, they do not. The team is unlikely to carry more than four offensive tackles, unless either Alaric Jackson or Rob Havenstein start the 2024 NFL season on IR. If that happens, the Rams will add another tackle to bridge the gap. In that scenario, I would expect KT Leveston (if healthy) to get the nod.

While the numbers are tight on the roster everywhere, I cannot see how the team shortchanges the roster at the offensive tackle position. With Noteboom and McClendon on alert to swoop in as potential starters if either Alaric Jackson or Rob Havenstein are not able to suit up for Week 1, the team will be ready with contingency planning that holds several viable options. As it now stands, the team would like pull Blake Larson, and then Conor McDermott to the practice squad to backfill for either Aruci or Leveston's remaining on the roster.

Eventually, the roster will settle into the configuration above, or as close to it as possible. But Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein must suit up and practice before that happens.

Interior Offensive Line (6)

Starters: Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson

Backups: Beaux Limmer, Logan Bruss, Zach Thomas

Likely Practice Squad (1): Justin Dedich

Released: Mike McAlister, Alec Lindstrom, Grant Miller

The LA Rams offensive line is overflowing with talent this season. It's hard to imagine that this is the same team that traded both a fourth- and a sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for right guard Kevin Dotson. While worth it, the Rams have ample quality young players on the roster who could start on half the NFL teams in 2024.

I don't see how the Rams can part ways with any of the backup offensive linemen who have played in preseason. Their performances, both as a group and individually, have been outstanding. I have been amazed at the potential turned into production of rookie center Beaux Limmer. He is so powerful that he elevates the play of his teammates.

Rookie IOL Justin Dedich doesn't make this team, just yet, but the Rams will try to sneak him onto the practice squad. That may not work, as many NFL teams are scrambling for offensive line help right now. If he is scooped up, look for the team to replace him with IOL Grant Miller.

Defense - Active Roster (26) | Practice Squad (8)

Defensive Line (6):

Starters: Kobie Turner, Bobby Brown III, Braden Fiske

Backups: Tyler Davis, Desjuan Johnson, Carlos Watkins

Practice squad (2): Tuli Letuligasenoa, Anthony Goodlaw

Released: David Olajiga, Cory Durden, Larrell Murchison

The Rams defensive line may be the one area that has ascended far beyond expectations this off-season. The front office has outdone itself, landing three defensive linemen who make the roster, one of whom never heard his name called out in the draft in Oklahoma State defensive end Anthony Goodlow. Is it the opportunities that make the rookie prospects excel on this team? With a unit that had limited players returning, this group seems robust, talented, and ready to take on the challenge of the NFL.

Kobie Turner is a gifted player who returns for his second season. But he is not the only player fans will want to watch. There is the tremendous performance of rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske, who has been more than a match for both Rams and other teams' offensive linemen. Anchoring them all is the stalwart run-stuffing ability of nose tackle Bobby Brown III. They will be joined in the rotation by DT Tyler Davis, DE Desjuan Johnson, and DE Carlos Watkins.

There are just six slots, but this team could carry many more players than that. Releasing anyone is painful, but this team has to part ways with thee defensive linemen to make the numbers work. Some solid talent won't be returning.

Edge Rushers (5)

Starters: Jared Verse, Byron Young

Backups: Michael Hoecht, Nick Hampton, Brennan Jackson

Practice squad (1): Zach VanValkenburg

Released:  Ochaun Mathis, Keir Thomas

The LA Rams wanted to put more pressure on the quarterback in 2024, and the combination of rookie OLB Jared Verse with second-year OLB Byron Young could do that alone. The pair could hit 20.0+ quarterback sacks in 2024, which is a phenomenal pass rush unto itself. But the team will finally start to get serious contributions from rotational players as well.

Although a seasoned veteran, this is just the second full season of DT turned OLB Michael Hoecht. Hoecht is not only getting acclimated at his new role on the edge, but he has the benefit of a defensive coordinator that saw how offenses were placing him at a disadvantage, and is taking steps to prevent that this season. But he is not the only one who shows up in a big way.

Nicki Hampton has bulked up. Brennan Jackson is incredibly physical. Both pry a roster spot free. That leaves one practice squad slot remaining, and right now I see that filled by Zach VanValkenburg. But ZVB continues to take an inside pass rush that drops containment of mobile quarterbacks, so that could change in Game 3.

Off-Ball Linebackers (4)

Starters: Ernest Jones IV, Christian Rozeboom

Backups: Omar Speights, Jacob Hummel

Practice squad (2): Elias Neal, Troy Reeder

Released: Olakunle Fatukasi

Ah yes, the inside linebacker position. It's the one position on this roster where the LA Rams coaching staff seems to be content to have the same cast of characters back in the same positions, while the fans seem to perceive the upside of new undrafted rookies and want to afford the newbies a chance at starting their own NFL careers.

Something has to give.

Hopefully a little of both. Whatever the Rams had, do, or will see in veteran ILB Troy Reeder, I do not. As such, I have him released. Unfortunately, so is Olakunle Fatukasi, a young man who has potential. The problem is, as is the case with so many on this list, is that both undrafted rookie inside linebackers Elias Neal and Omar Speights have shown far more physical and adept at running the heart of this defense.

I almost did not keep Omar Speights on the roster. But a defense that has not allowed a preseason touchdown in eight quarters is getting it's juice from somewhere, and that somewhere is from Speights. He is both physical and relentless in the heart of this defense.

Cornerback (5)

Starters: Darious Williams, Tre'Davious White

Backups: Jerry Jacobs, Josh Wallace, Cobie Durant. Cameron McCutcheon

Practice squad (1): Cam Lampkin

Released: Jerry Jacobs (Rel./IR Designation), Tre'Vius Tomlinson

Injured: Derion Kendrick (ACL on IR)

While the Rams continue to hope for a healthy return to the football field by Darious Williams, the team has been getting quality reps from other players. Cobie Durant and newly added Jerry Jacobs are two players who seem to have benefited a great deal from the added work. The thing is, has this core group in the secondary had enough time playing together to have sealed quality communication? We will soon see.

If the starters pan out as hoped, this group will spearhead one of the most effective and dangerous secondaries in the NFL. Unlike the bend-don't-break styles of play that kept everything in front of them, at the expense of allowing almost automatic completions to patient quarterbacks and offensive coordinators, this secondary has the feel of challenging any and all receivers running routes from the moment that they leave the line of scrimmage.

Will durability be an issue? That is why I expect two players to be re-signed to the practice squad.

Nickle Cornerback (2)

Starter: Quentin Lake

Backup: Russ Yeast

Released: Charles Woods

The Rams have so many talented safeties, that the team had to find new and diverse roles to deploy their surplus talent. But do not let the title fool you. DB Quentin Lake could be the best pass coverage defensive back on this roster. He is called the nickel cornerback here, but you could just as easily call him the star cornerback, the joker cornerback, of whatever other title you feel comfortable in designating the guy who has an opportunity to change up his coverage tactics and who he is ultimately responsible for covering.

Unlike past seasons in which offenses dictated coverages and were able to isolate OLB Michael Hoecht against a star wide receiver, the Rams appear to have a viable counter-punch to that tactic.

I am looking forward to seeing how this defense looks in live action. With Lake in a defined role that amplifies his skill set, this could prove to be a fantastic innovation for 2024.

Safety (4)

Starters: Kamren Curl, John Johnson III

Backups: Kamren Kinchens, Jason Taylor II

Likely practice squad (2): Jaylen McCullough, Tanner Ingle

The LA Rams' safety position is as strong and as deep as ever. Despite losing former starter Jordan Fuller to free agency, this group is loaded with players who have true game-impacting abilities. And even though the physicality of the safety position has improved dramatically, it has not come at the expense of pass coverage. In many ways, that seems to have improved as well.

Defensive backs have many roles to fill on this team, and covering center field on deep pass routes is just the tip of the iceberg. They can crowd the box for run support, They will flip from zone to man to press man coverages. They will even fill out special team roles on returns and coverage teams. This is a very talented group. I woudl not be surprised to learn that at least one player on the team is honored by a Pro Bowl nomination.

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.