Winners and losers from the first week of Rams training camp

Losers (continued)

CB Darious Williams

While I wouldn't say that veteran defensive back Darious Williams is in danger of losing his presumed starting role with the Rams in the newly reconstructed secondary, there is undoubtedly several snafus that will occur due to the fact that Williams injured his hamstring last week, and is no longer actively participating in practices and drills in training camp.

As of right now, his status has been described as week to week.

The unfortunate result of Williams injury in the havoc that it plays with the communication and coordination of pass coverage. Next to the team's offensive line, the secondary is critically dependent upon an entire array of players knowing and chatting about who takes which receiver. With Williams sidelined, that coordination and chemistry will still occur, but without him sharing the experience.

Williams was added to this secondary for more than what he does individually. He is the seasoned veteran who will lead by example, while holding his teammates accountable. That is a tough task from the sidelines. Williams will suit up in term for Week 1. The question is, how prepared will this secondary be in those early games on the schedule?

TE Hunter Long

Saying that veteran tight end Hunter Long did not live up to expectations in his first season with the Rams is a huge understatement. Long is a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end who excels at blocking, and who reportedly has better-than-you-know pass catching abilitis. But appearing in just four games in 2023, and starting once, he has yet to be targeted with a pass. In retrospect, he played just 55 offensive snaps last season.

The reason for such a modest workload? He was oft-injured. That's a problem. A player whose durability gives them just 55 plays in a full season is not going to be much of a contributor. And Hunter Long knows that. Soon to turn 26 years old, he has his back against the wall. It's do-or-die time in terms of impressing the Rams coaching staff and earning a future role. Or, even a present day role, for that matter.

That's going to be awfully difficult.

Both TE Davis Allen and TE Colby Parkinson are putting on a show at training camp so far. Individually, they are fighting for the vacated starting role when this season begins. But combined they are lapping Hunter Long in terms of the team's depth chart. With his injury-riddled season already in the history books, Long needs a huge training camp this year.

I don't see it happening. In fact, the progress of Allen and Parkinson has pushed Hunter Long onto the roster bubble already.