Rams' agonizing roster math likely leaves Wesley Bailey out in the cold

Edge rusher Wesley Bailey has had an excellent summer. He followed up a strong training camp with a dazzling preseason performance against the Saints. He deserves a roster spot. 

The only problem is, it's not exactly clear how the Rams would make the roster math work given their organizational values.

Bailey is still fifth on the edge-rusher depth chart, behind Myles Garrett, Byron Young, Josaiah Stewart, and Desjuan Johnson. The Rams typically carry four. Johnson played in the preseason opener and sat against New Orleans, indicating he has almost surely locked up a spot. He's a veteran, and the Rams typically emphasize experience. 

Bailey is an undrafted rookie, if a very promising one, who right now likely remains on the outside looking in.

Rams would have to jump through multiple hoops to roster Wesley Bailey

Being blocked at edge rusher isn't the only obstacle. The Rams could break tradition and carry five. But that would mean shaving a roster spot elsewhere.

Tight end? Well, it makes sense in theory. LA has five set to make the 53-man roster, including Davis Allen, a potential cut candidate who missed a chunk of training camp with a quad injury. Head coach Sean McVay remains high on him, however, and it doesn't seem like he's going anywhere.

What about the offensive line? The Rams can probably get away with carrying eight or nine guys to open the season. Depth, though, remains an issue, even with the injury return of guard Justin Dedich.

Based on this 53-man roster projection, carrying any number less than 10 would create a spot for Bailey, but would they use it on him? 

Maybe. Bailey would have to beat out running back Jarquez Hunter, a 2025 fourth-rounder who seems like a coinflip - at best? - to make the cut. On the defensive line, Bailey would need to get the nod over veteran Larrell Murchison. If Aaron Donald comes back, that opening disappears regardless.

Or, the Rams could decide that cornerback Cam Lampkin hasn't done quite enough, after all, to sneak his way in as a fifth cornerback. Like Bailey, Lampkin has had a strong camp and preseason and would provide depth at a top-heavy position where LA could use it. Playing time off the edge will be at a premium, especially with Stewart in line for more reps.

And, yes - although who cares, honestly, if the guy is a stud- Bailey has less NFL experience than the names he'd be competing with above, and many others in the mix for a spot. In an all-in year, the Rams may prioritize experience even more.

It's just one more hurdle for Bailey to leap, although you won't hear many fans complain if the Rams find a way to include him. The logistical odds are likely stacked against him, but let's hope they do.

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