Rams get 'Strong'er on the practice squad, and other roster signings

III: DB Charles Woods

The LA Rams did not invest heavily into the secondary throughout the 2024 NFL Draft, opting to make one selection throughout the three-day event. That lone addition was University of Miami rookie prospect DB Kamren Kinchens. While Kinchens was an ideal fit for the team, both in terms of football IQ and in terms of his ball-hawking fearlessness, he was only one player.

The team did augment the secondary by signing several defensive backs to the team after the draft, and one of the more intriguing rookie additions is former West Virginia cornerback Charles Woods. Like many undrafted defensive backs, Woods held plenty of promise in terms of pass coverage and production. But his technique and consistency were deemed too erratic to warrant being selected on draft day.

The real test was how Charles Woods would stand up and stand out in the Rams training camp. The early reports out of training camp were quite promising, suggesting that he had a chance of filling a meaningful role in the secondary. But after 12 games, he had appeared in nine games, primarily as a special teams contributor. He had just 13 defensive snaps so far. When the team had the opportunity to claim former Washington Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes, Woods was released to create an open roster spot.

But that was simply a strategic move. Woods has done enough to impress the coaching staff to remain associated with the team. Will he play a larger role in the defense in 2025? Signs point to his presence next year, which means that he has a chance.